CPJ to Pakistan security institutions: exercise tolerance and maturity
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 23 April 2014
Join our WhatsApp channel
The Committee to Protect Journalists has expressed concern regarding the ISI's actions against Geo Television. They urge media authorities in Pakistan to uphold press freedom and reject unfounded complaints.Summary
NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists says it is greatly concerned by actions brought by Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI) against Geo Television.
In its complaint to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, the ISI accused Geo's parent company, the Independent Media Corporation, of conducting a "false and scandalous campaign undermining the integrity and tarnishing the image of state institution (ISI) and its officers."
The media regulator has the authority to shut down broadcasters based on such complaints, and has done so under previous administrations of Pakistan.
"We call on the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority not to act on this spurious complaint, and we call on Pakistan's security services to recognize the critical role of the media and exercise tolerance and maturity," said Bob Dietz (pictured), CPJ's Asia program coordinator. "The ISI is free to rebut allegations in the media but should not try to censor coverage."
Tension between Pakistan's military and intelligence communities and much of the media swiftly escalated following an assassination attempt on Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir on April 19.
Mir was hit with six rounds from assailants on motorcycles as his car was traveling between Karachi's airport and the center of the city. Mir is severely wounded and recovering in the hospital. Geo TV has broadcast accusations that the ISI was involved in the murder attempt. - Committee to Protect Journalists
Photo courtesy: cpj.org
Key Points
- CPJ criticizes ISI's complaint against Geo Television.
- The ISI alleges Geo's parent company conducted a smear campaign.
- CPJ calls for media tolerance from Pakistan's security services.
- Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir is recovering from an assassination attempt.
- Tensions between military and media have escalated recently.
Relevant Topics
Ask AI: Understand this story your way
AI EnabledDig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.
Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.
