Interior Ministry shuts down Radio Mashaal on ISI's recommendation
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 19 January 2018
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The Ministry of Interior in Pakistan has shut down Radio Mashaal based on recommendations from the ISI. The decision cites the station's portrayal of Pakistan as a haven for terrorism and its impact on state security.Summary
ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Interior has shut down Pushto language Radio Mashaal on the recommendation of ISI for being against the interests of Pakistan.
A ministry notification said Radio Mashaal was an offshoot of Radio Free Europe (RFE) and its activities were in line with “hostile intelligence agency’s agenda.”
The notification outlines the following as the reasons:
- portraying Pakistan as a hub of terrorism and safe haven for different militant groups
- propagating Pakistan as a failed state in terms of providing security to its people especially minorities and Pashtuns
- showing the Pashtun population of KP/FATA and Balochistan as being disenchanted with the state
- distorting facts and inciting the target population against the state and its institutions
The notification said that “in light of ISI’s recommendations, the Competent Authority has directed to close the office of Radio Mashaal immediately and necessary action be initiated against it under intimation to this Ministry.”
KEY POINTS:
- Radio Mashaal closed due to ISI's recommendation.
- Accused of promoting a negative image of Pakistan.
- Criticized for inciting discontent among Pashtuns and minorities.
- The notification calls for immediate closure and further action.
- Radio Mashaal linked to hostile foreign interests.
