Geo news transmission blocked in parts of country

The transmission of Pakistan’s premier news channel Geo news has been blocked in some parts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad, Deepalpur and Sargodha.

The concerned officials have directed the cable operators to place Geo news channel at the tail end, making it difficult for the viewers to watch the channel.

Viewers of Geo News started making phone calls to Geo’s offices, trying to find out reasons for not receiving the transmission. People from every walk of life have strongly condemned the blocking of Geo news transmission. They expressed complete solidarity with Geo news.

Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has condemned the blocking of Geo news transmission in various cities of country.

Speaking to Geo news, Nawaz said: “These steps have reminded us the negative tactics adopted by former dictator.” Pakistan Muslim League-Q secretary general Mushahid Hussain Syed said Geo news is being punished for airing the truth.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran khan and MQM Senator Babar Khan Ghauri also condemned the blocking of Geo news.

“Reporters Without Borders” condemned the action which, it said, has brought back memories of military rule in the country. Awani National Party (ANP) Secretary Information Zahid Khan has said that ANP strongly condemns the blockage of Geo news in different cities of the country.

National People’s Party Chief Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Munawar Hasan, Karachi Press Club (KPC) and Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) condemned blocking of Geo news transmission in the country.

The secretary general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Mazhar Abbas said the act of blocking the transmission of any news channel or media cannot be justified.

Is the blocking of Geo news transmission tantamount to suppressing freedom of expression and media? How do you view the blocking of Geo news in the backdrop of lawyers’ long march and present political situation in the country?