ISLAMABAD - Pakistani authorities are tightening rules to restrict live television broadcasts of opposition rallies in a move aimed at stopping criticism of the powerful military. Criticism of the army is a sensitive issue but some lawyers supporting suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry threw barbs at the military at a seminar broadcast live on private television channels on Saturday. The government responded by filing a legal complaint against the lawyers.
In addition to the legal action, the government’s broadcast authority is going to enforce rules that require television stations to get permission for live broadcasts. “We will ensure that the rules are properly followed,” said a senior government official who declined to be identified.
A broadcaster said there had always been a rule requiring permission for live broadcasts but it had not been invoked before. “Now, they say they will not allow it without permission,” said Syed Talat Hussain, news director at the private Aaj television. He said he had received an instruction to get permission this week.
Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani, asked about the broadcasting rule, said: “We will not allow maligning of the army and the judiciary. It will no longer be tolerated.”
| No live broadcasts. Censorship of the press. No free assembly for groups of five or more. And don't even think of changing the 'religion' category on passports. Yup, that Pakistan's a thriving democracy, huh. |