Islamabad has taken steps to suspend the amendments made to the PEMRA ordinance amid intense pressure from the media and opposition. President Pervez Musharrraf issued a decree on Monday giving the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority extra powers after the media criticised his suspension of the country’s chief justice.
The parliament, once again, became a battle ground with countless scuffles and obscenity exchanged between pro government bodies and slogan-chanting journalists.
New York-based group Human Rights Watch urged military ruler General Musharraf to lift the restrictions in a statement yesterday, denouncing the move as a disgraceful assault on press freedom.
“Musharraf should realize that stifling the media will not prevent power ebbing away from him. It will only hasten it,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
AFP
In another news in Daily Times today, AAJ TV and ARY TV have reported that the president will address the nation today with emphasis on current judicial crisis. The address is said to be a pre-recorded one and will be televised on PTV.
Fauzan
Selina Haider
Aleena
>> What They Said