MicroPakistan

So, some interesting developments in the last few days. The CJP had his second hearing today. There was a lot happening in Pakistan, but here is picture from the previous hearing that is just shameful. How can we allowed our chief justice to be treated this way? Why is he being treated like a common criminal before any verdict has been given?

I am listing a few of the incidents that point towards the government’s war against media and freedom of speech.

- Kamran Khan’s show ‘Aaj Kamran Khan ke Saath’ was stopped as the government imposed a ban on it. The show is now back on air.

- GEO TV and AAJ TV were taken off-air a few days ago when they aired footage of lawyers being beaten up by the police. It also showed senior lawyer Sardar Latif Khosa with a bleeding head. Another attack on the media.

- Federal Law Minister attacked an investigatve journalist for The News, Mr Ansar Abbasi on Voice of America’s (VOA) radio show on 12th March 2007. The language that he used on the show was not only shameful and embarassing, but indicative of the education levels of those gracing our assemblies. Obviously, this man had serious trouble understanding the The News article.

However, what happened today is just unbelievable. It seems as if nobody has ANY control over the police. The police attacked the Geo News office in Islamabad and caused great destruction. They also fired teargas at the employees of the news channel. The Minister of Information condemned the attack and visited Geo offices. The President also apoogised for the attack, but what we have in front of us is an open attack on the media.

Here is a link to the CNN-IBN news report on the issue. Also, embedded below is a short clip from Geo’s coverage of the issue.

P.S. Also, I believe they’ve once again put in place the ban on certain websites and blogs.

P.S.S. Oh and before I forget to address what this commotion is all about, CJ Iftikhar’s SJC inquiry has been adjourned till 3.00 pm on the 21st of March.