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PEMRA committee decision: Aftermath and views

Dawn.com Published May 20, 2014
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The announcement that a Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) committee had suspended the licences of three television channels owned by the Geo TV network drew a strong reaction on local media and online.

From terming the media a "Pharaoh" acting out of line, to outright condemnation of the suspension of Geo News, Geo Tez and Geo Entertainment, politicians, senior journalists and civil society members spoke out on the decision.

Speaking on a private TV channel, former information minister Javed Jabbar questioned whether PEMRA's move to revoke Geo's licenses was legal, given that due process was not followed.

Senior journalist and Executive Editor, The Express Tribune Muhammad Ziauddin termed the suspension questionable and raised questions about PEMRA's role as a regulatory body.

Speaking on DawnNews, senior journalist Nasim Zehra also criticized the PEMRA committee's decision, blaming journalists, media owners and the regulatory body for the current crisis.

Also speaking on Dawn News, senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said it was apparent no one seemed to care about the fear and insecurity this decision will spread among media workers. He said the decision was taken wrongfully, ignoring the technicalities needed for suspension of Pakistan's largest news channel.

Speaking to a TV channel, PTI spokesperson Shireen Mazari said no one wanted to see Geo News off air, but if the decision for suspension was taken lawfully, it should be upheld.

Former Ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani condemned the closure of Geo:

Express News anchorperson and senior columnist Javed Chaudhry said journalists should remain journalists otherwise more channels would face such suspensions. He added that he believed "They [Geo] have stopped practising journalism".

Speaking on a private TV channel, senior journalist Talat Hussain said according to the law, no one should be surprised with the decision taken today, "There are some institutions you can talk against, and some you cannot" he said.

Analyst Arif Nizami, speaking on a TV channel said all politicians boycotted this PEMRA committee meeting, and they should intervene to prevent this suspension. He added that the electronic media should, in its turn, behave responsibly.

Geo and The News staff turned to Twitter to express their shock and outrage at the decision:

Many journalists and analysts also voiced their opinion online:

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Sayyar Khan
May 20, 2014 09:20pm
Its very bad news. Geo license should NOT be suspended just because some groups are against the News channel now. This will be another bad trend for Pakistan.
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aman
May 20, 2014 09:29pm
Should not ban Geo but ban the wolves inside.
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Iftikhar
May 20, 2014 09:33pm
IMHO Geo made some mistakes but this is RIDICULOUS, the Army is still being treated as holiest of the cows. Geo should be in the Supreme Court by now before more damage is done. Pakistan must not go back to the old days when the media was cuffed at smallest of pretexts.
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Baby Ka Husband
May 20, 2014 09:34pm
Absolutely. Its treason to tell the truth. We don't want that says Baby.
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Azfar
May 20, 2014 09:37pm
Let law take its course.
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anony
May 20, 2014 09:43pm
Serves Geo right.
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Sana Jahan
May 20, 2014 09:46pm
It runs on the biased and corrupt pro government agenda
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shiraz
May 20, 2014 09:47pm
It should've been banned a long time ago for violating PEMRA's rules.
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Muhammad Shabbir
May 20, 2014 09:49pm
GEO transmission is required to be suspended because it has created unnecessary hype, as usual, moreover, it has not spared the sensitive institutions.
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muzamil hussain
May 20, 2014 09:57pm
so many media persons and social activists raising their voice against the suspension of Geo where were they when the same channel was following its own agenda and completely forgotten norms of responsible and investigative journalism...? i think it is a high time that we must establish example and suspension of the channel is a good step in right direction.
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Raj
May 20, 2014 10:01pm
no don't ban
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Harmony
May 20, 2014 10:01pm
They should have apologised to the ISI chief unconditionally instead of keep justifying their wrongdoing.
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raza aly
May 20, 2014 10:02pm
@Ahmed . yes I did saw Geo apologising profusely. It should not be banned.
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Raj
May 20, 2014 10:02pm
when you ban something then you go in hide, where you have to face the challenge
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Indian
May 20, 2014 10:03pm
Indians are against ban of GEO.
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RamRahimRobert
May 20, 2014 10:04pm
No
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Shaan
May 20, 2014 10:05pm
Absolutely not !! Let the Courts decide if Geo did anything wrong. We are setting a very wrong precedence against freedom of speech.
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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali
May 20, 2014 10:06pm
This is the victory of ISI and its handlers. Imran Khan must be very proud of himself. Censorship has begun in Pakistan, folks.
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Aneela
May 20, 2014 10:13pm
YESSSSSS ...
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Hira
May 20, 2014 10:21pm
Geo will go to the court and musical chair will be played again (on for some days and again off then again on and so on).......
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vikranth
May 20, 2014 10:22pm
(Breaking News) #Pemra spokesman says today
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Arshad Malik (Learning & Leadership Development Consultant, Author)
May 20, 2014 10:22pm
Freedom without boundaries is No freedom. The action against GEO would serve as a precedence for other channels to fly within their defined ethical and constitutional boundaries and serve people of Pakistan, rather than blaming institutions and showing programs which hurt the feelings of their viewers. It's the time to challenge the very essence of , 'What makes a News?" - Why can't a positive and inspiring event be as important as an utterly disturbing one... It is the time to ponder not malign each other. Not to narrow our vision rather move on and if GEO (Media in large) is ready to follow Code -Of- Conduct, revoke their Licence, for there are many people inside GEO who have made significant contributions. We need to look at whole situation with a Leader's Vision rather through a Police man's barrel. Let's pledge and share in the betterment of Pakistan. Thanks
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Harmony
May 20, 2014 10:28pm
@vikranth - his arm must have been twisted.
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State Controlled Media
May 20, 2014 10:29pm
Let's have a more powerful regulatory authority and very strict guidelines for the material which can go on air.
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Vikranth
May 20, 2014 10:34pm
@Harmony May be.
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Nipun
May 20, 2014 10:37pm
And the Mullahs said, Let there be darkness: and there was darkness. And the fanatics saw the darkness, and it was good for them; and the age of blissful ignorance was established firmly on the land of the pure.
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MALLIKARJUNA SHARMA
May 20, 2014 11:17pm
But I think there should be some arrangement/mechanism for appeal against that decision by PEMRA and even otherwise, there is the alternative of recourse to Supreme Court for judicial review. Since this is a serious matter involving the right to freedom of expression and speech of the citizens too, even public spirited citizens can challenge the decision in Supreme Court of Pakistan I suppose. Anyway Geo Group can take that much trouble because it is going to be seriously damaged financially even.
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Fawad
May 20, 2014 11:35pm
There should be responsible journalism. Media shouldn't be used as a propaganda machine. National Interests must be supreme.
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Naveed Javed
May 21, 2014 12:11am
Banning a Channel on the basis of difference of opinion is totally condemnable!
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Mehdi Hussain
May 21, 2014 12:13am
I agree Murtaza Ali Shah
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Jamal
May 21, 2014 12:14am
a sad day
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Nazir
May 21, 2014 12:15am
Should be permanently banned for being anti state.
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Waseem Akhtar
May 21, 2014 12:20am
I have no sympathy with Geo, they are tasting their own recipe of nationalist hype and religious fundamentalism. But this is also true, if they are shut down, the country will see the silence of grave yards for few decades.
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Spartacus Cyrus
May 21, 2014 12:29am
A dark day for democracy and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
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M.Siddique
May 21, 2014 12:40am
Decision should be taken lawfully and with reasonable and lawful evidences, However no body should be given Free-hand as far as Religious matters, sensitivity of security of the Nation and Live shows and talk shows should proper discipline.May Allah guide us.
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Attorney Tausif Kamal
May 21, 2014 01:32am
Though I don't agree with Geo's and The News's sometimes slanted, biased , selective coverage and non-coverage of news and views, PEMRA's decision to ban its channels is a draconian step in this electronic age of universal media freedom. Its an unacceptable affront to the freedom of the press. No doubt about it. It would set a bad precedent and abridge whatever little freedom of opinion we have in Pakistan. If this goes unchallenged then certainly it won't be the last prohibition of a TV channel. However, we all remember how GEO/The News ganged up with the demented, corrupt , power-hungry to subvert and violate our laws and the Constitution and obstruct a lawfully elected P.M. and the government.
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shadi katyal
May 21, 2014 01:39am
The nation has started enjoying the freedom of press and world was thinking that Pakistan can stand such freedom but it is evident that ISI and Army still has upper hand. Is this warning to present Govt that if got out of control can loose the democracy. Subjecting the freedom of press is nothing else but denial of human rights. t
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Muhammad Irfan
May 21, 2014 02:20am
Gutter Press/Media and Yellow Journalism must be banned at any cost. It creates only Fuss, Chaos, Uncertainty, and Instability in the society in the name of Freedom of Expressions. I will quote Allama Iqbal here : "Ghulami Main Badal Jata Hai Qaumoon Ka Zamir," so no body knows the actual meaning of 'freedom of expression.' Every 'freedom' has some certain limits and moral obligations.
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Jamal
May 21, 2014 02:23am
We agree with Naz Baloch ,this is thecountry of common man all electronic media should respect of our cultureabd religion
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Z Khan
May 21, 2014 02:23am
It was bound to happen. Geo went completely out of control when they successfully played their hand in reinstating Iftikhar chaudhry. They thought they can do do whatever they want and nobody can stop them. It's a good lesson for the other out of control media groups who do not follow any rules & regulations. Freedom of speech and free media is paramount but they should follow some set rules and procedures.
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Rvel
May 21, 2014 02:46am
This is the result of immaturity displayed by our electronic media. Keep on doing counter productive activities like indulging in internal rivalries between channels, making songs and sensationalism on every little thing. Penetrating into people's personal lives. Ignoring the more pressing issues of health, education and security crisis. Rather then using your influence and impact in a positive way to give direction to people and reporting with integrity and sheer honesty, you deviated from media ethics and moral codes. You manipulated people on the basis of your personal liking's and disliking s. Electronic media seemed indispensable few months ago. However, it needed punishment and it got punishment but for entirely wrong reasons. I don't agree with the excuse or lame reason of banning because of the so called gift given by Zia Ul Haq ''blasphemy law''.
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Sher
May 21, 2014 03:08am
Yes, why not? You have a great example with more than 100 years history of a UK based great Media and Print house, it made a mistake and in next couple of months, it was off and owners are in Jail. So take it off the air, put owners into Jail and then start investigation, by the way GEO and Jang Groups charges were very serious than the UK one.
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Muhammad Ali Shaikh
May 21, 2014 03:22am
I think that's a fair decision through PEMRA, Geo should have known what's real journalism is. I hope this would also create a better journalism in Pakistan.
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Ravi Dallas TX
May 21, 2014 03:28am
Very intolerant society. Opposition is key to success of any democracy. If everyone does bhajan of govt or military then who would do checks and balances?
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BlueCollar (usa)
May 21, 2014 03:42am
Let us dare to read, think,speak and write.- Free press is one of the pillars of democracy. Shutting down GEO is assault on the press.
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Amir
May 21, 2014 03:52am
Very good decision. All those regretting the ban should also be banned. Its not about mullah or ISI. Its all about ethics, respect and national interest.
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Riaz
May 21, 2014 03:55am
Soon there will only be one channel and that would be PTV. With the way things are going, all channels will be banned...sad news...
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Ahmer
May 21, 2014 04:02am
The answer to that question is an emphatic NO.
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kirther
May 21, 2014 04:03am
All those people supporting GEO must understand great responsibilities associated with freedom, particularly freedom of press. When it comes to national institutions and strategic interest even the greatest democratic country in the world acts swiftly and decisively to protect their national interest and institutions--even at the cost of human rights. GEO must be closed .
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Rashid
May 21, 2014 04:09am
Geo should not be ban....Geo is great channal
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Shoaib
May 21, 2014 04:19am
I totally believe on freedom of speech and independence of media. But the circus that is named media is Pakistan is abhorrent at its best. Totally support the ban on GEO based on its foreign agenda and attempts to criminally trying to change the ideological basis of Pakistan, promoting vulgarity and destabilisation in Pakistan.
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Sahir Lodhi
May 21, 2014 04:22am
I am pleased to hear that finally GEO transmission has been shut in Pakistan. As a common Pakistani i am very happy.
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Raja
May 21, 2014 05:03am
Absolutely!
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AW
May 21, 2014 05:20am
One may not agree with every thing which GEO represents but banning GEO will be an extremist and a backward step for the nation. Freedom of speech is critical for democracy to flourish. In a free society there are no sacred cows and that's what promotes civility and accountability for a stronger nation. The Government which includes the Army and intelligence apparatus - even the Judiciary should demonstrate organizational maturity, tolerance and remain open to public scrutiny otherwise democracy in Pakistan will be dead. No institution self righteously can claim the 'love' and loyalty to the country because this right to claim belongs to all citizens even when we respectfully disagree with each other - such is the spirit much needed for internal and external security as well as for social and economic progress of the nation. Labeling each other 'foreign agents' and ruthless suppression has been tried in the past and has failed.
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Jawaid A Siddiqi
May 21, 2014 05:23am
This action is old habits of dark forces but it will not work.
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Abdullah Sherwani
May 21, 2014 05:33am
Salam to all. I used to be a fan of GEO NETWORK but not anymore. I think it's the end (and it should be if it is not) of the GEO in media. First, if you want to show people that you are a neutral network then you shouldn't just show only the people on TELEVISION who are on your favor. Second, don't try to make it look like that a lot of people like you. Just a bunch who likes to take credit from you are supporting you. All the rest are very angry and wish to ban you. Third, stop the AZADIA SAHAFIT thing, just think if anyother channel would be doing this and blaming an important person. What you would be doing about that?? Ever thought about that/??? As for all the politicians who boycotted it. They should've attended it and cast their voice. And they are 7 of them so it won't be a problem for them to turn the decision and stop it from happening. But they are politicians and they are playing another game inside and somewhat I believe that they also wish to ban you but don't want to come forward because it would be bad for their politics. And you shouldn't criticize the people who took the decision, it's their duty to follow the law and hear the voice of common man.
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Abdullah Sherwani
May 21, 2014 05:47am
@Arshad Malik (Learning & Leadership Development Consultant, Author) try to look from another point (and from other media networks as well). People want to ban geo network and they just wanted a reason, even if it's right or wrong ( so there must be a reason why people hate geo so much, which you need to find). PEMRA have said that they heard the voice of people and that's one of the reason ffor terminating the license as well. So, you should criticize on people. Not on (still) working govt. body's like PEMRA.
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Faiza G. R. Bhatt
May 21, 2014 05:50am
because of an agenda to tarnish the image of our military, only select programs, anchors, guests and GEO News should be banned. all other GEO channels should be allowed to continue as usual.
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Indian
May 21, 2014 06:00am
Banning does not solve anything. In the US, you have a conservative FOX news. Most of what they put out is biased and makes no sense, but no one in the US (who disagree with FOX) would like to see it banned. The power of ideas will dictate whether they survive or not. I am surprised at the naivete of our Pakistani brothers. First, its probably reasonable to assume that ISI is coming after this channel. Second, the morning show could not have angered too many people, and even if it did, these folks need to stop being so sensitive. Further, apologies were offered. I feel that this is being used as a pretext to take Geo off the air. If it works, it will be tried on others who disagree with current power-centers. And that is scary.
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sja
May 21, 2014 06:13am
All types of controversies are created and then sorted out with pomp and show. Now Geo came out with the Logo of """Geo and Jeenay dooo""""---- live and let live---- now some politicians like Imran Khan and tv stations like ARY, Express and many more have united and they have countered the logo of Geo with this new one ----- """"GEO KO JEENAY NA DO"""------- as they say Believe it or Not, and if you do not believe me than ask Mubashar Luqman who is the master producer of this new logo.
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NUKHAN
May 21, 2014 06:29am
A justified suspension if for no other reason than the arrogance with which this media house had started dictating public opinion..And then the rat race for rating was bound to stumble as it did.As for PEMRA. the divide between private & public members clearly reflects how poorly it is equipped to regulate.
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NASAH (USA)
May 21, 2014 07:26am
"Should Geo be taken off-air?" Absolutely NOT.
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Funny Bone
May 21, 2014 07:59am
No, not at all. It must be heavily fined and be warned to remain disciplined.
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Cross Fire
May 21, 2014 08:04am
An unconditional apology to ISI chief could have saved GEO from this disaster. The way GEO depicted his persona was wrong and falls into the category of yellow journalism. Unfortunately, arrogance of media tycoon has shown him these days. Arrogance must be punished.
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aaa
May 21, 2014 08:15am
They should be fined, demanded apology and also taken off air for long period of time. Then get ilcence only for 3 months and if they abide by all conditions applied then they should get further licence.
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SMQ Zaman
May 21, 2014 08:37am
As Dawn rightly points out, Pemra's sub-clause 3. (4) states: "3. Meetings of the Authority, etc.- (4) The Chairman shall convene a meeting of the Authority either at his own accord or, as the case may be, on request of more than one half of the total membership." It is pathetic, diabolical and highly embarassing that these three members of Pemra (public representatives) have made this announcement after an 'unlawful constitution of the quorum' in a meeting that took the decision to suspend Geo's three channels in response to the MOD's application on the incident of 'allegations of wrongdoing against ISI and its Chief' last month. This, also, makes their positions untenable for such a gross error of judgement and not knowing its own rules of meetings! Moreover, the argumentative and ill-mannered (speaks over others) Naz Baloch of PTI was 'quick off the mark', without thinking before speaking as is usual with her in TV debates, to tweet "Congratulations finally the voice of masses heard. Geo licence suspended. Mir Shakeel must know the power of common man", when this is not the official position of PTI (as already stated in a public conference on Sunday by Imran Khan)! That also shows them up, as how naive, incompetent and misinformed some of their officials are and they are merely engaged in 'political scoring' rather than having any appreciation of the deeper implications of such a decision by Pemra! Does Pemra have any right to make a decision on this case, now, that the matter under deliberation has become 'sub judice' by constitution of an illegal meeting, due to the un acceptable incompetency of these three members (representing the public) and then to have made a public announcement that has now been rejected by the spokesperson of Pemra? Another fiasco and crisis-in-the-making for the overburdened Supreme Court to decide upon soon, it seems? This marks one of the darkest days for Pakistan's democracy and the media's role!
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selina
May 21, 2014 08:42am
So the one job PEMRA has which is to regulate all media (,not just one channel) for society's betterment ( not its own ulterior motives), it fails to do. And the way to fix it is to start getting rid of the media? When will people in this country start handling situations in way beneficial to themselves in the long run? And that includes the public too- who play into any ploy set up by anyone. Why can't we address the issue at hand ? If people think Geo is bad journalism then protest that and ask them to.improve their standards- why create new issues? What happened to freedom to speech and thought? We have become a revengeful and hateful society which likes to see others suffer.
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Chishti
May 21, 2014 08:50am
Shouldn't be banned. All the responsible should be kicked out of GEO and some penalty be imposed for erroneous blasphemy. Banning GEO means turning thousands unemployed, not fair at all.
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Maryam
May 21, 2014 08:55am
It is indeed a ban on freedom of speech. It should be strongly condemned.
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Khurram
May 21, 2014 09:08am
I think GEO should be nationalised and moderated to bring it inline with our culture and Islamic values, in fact all major channels in Pakistan need the latter. Cancelling its licence means loss of hundreds of jobs and yet more sufferings for the ordinary people of Pakistan. GEO has crossed all limits whether it be of national interest or vulgarity.
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Farouk Khan
May 21, 2014 09:15am
It's all about sense of probity. All actors are crossing the red lines in a crass way with total disregard to where it will lead them. For Geo a word for advise. Please differentiate between news & TAMASHA.
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Sadaf Mesiya
May 21, 2014 09:36am
GEO has crossed all the limits. Freedom of speech doesn't mean to portray your own country in a negative way, to criticize every thing, to be vulgar, to disobey humanistic rules and to disrespect sectoral values. GEO must be heavily penalized and must be made an example for all other channels. However, its license must not be suspended as it will foster un-employment
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Umair
May 21, 2014 09:46am
Banning is not a solution. Action should be taken against GEO and other channels (ARY, Express etc) as well that aired the derogatory clip intentionally and several times. Punitive measures agaisnt GEO should be hard (not banning) only if they fail to fire/remove responsible ppl.
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Ali Hemani
May 21, 2014 09:47am
Excellent decision. This decision should have been taken long time back in that case we would have avoided the next 2 intentional or unintentional mistakes. Even if it is unintentional mistake without doubt the liscence should be revoked as the magnitude of the mistake is very high.
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TooTrue
May 21, 2014 09:50am
I have never watched GEO news. I once had the misfortune to watch a cricket match on GEO Sports. Instead of it being a cricket match with the occasional commercial it was a string of repeated commercials interspersed with some cricket. I'll shed no tears if GEO sports disappears. But it's a sad day that a broadcast license can be revoked for such a ridiculous reason,
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Saleem Kazmi
May 21, 2014 09:58am
As much as I hate the abuse of the freedom by the media in general, I personally hate to see that by banning Geo News we are setting wrong precedence in Pakistan. It will have the lasting impact on democracy that is still in infancy stage in the country. Seems the PEMRA members are naive by not supporting their own kind. They don't know but no one would dare to raise questions against people abusing their power while working for ISI or armed forces in Pakistan
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khanm
May 21, 2014 10:22am
Should Geo be taken off-air?... it depends how serious our government is to do it.
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M Rafique
May 21, 2014 10:29am
PML (N) govt is silent. WHY ?
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Anwar Amjad
May 21, 2014 10:32am
No doubt a severe disciplinary action is warranted against Geo News. But it should be directed against the persons who are responsible for reckless reporting of the attack on Hamid Mir and not the whole media house. If the channel is shut down permanently then a large number of good employees who have no role in this ugly episode will face hardship. The owners and top executives who in instead of apologising for their mistake have become more and more arrogant thinking that being a big media house they can get away with anything. They need to be cut down to size.
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khan lala
May 21, 2014 10:33am
None of these channels be taken off air justice be done with,errors should be corrected and freedom of speech be protected. allegations be thoroughly investigated not under the shadow of fitwas and threats i don't understand one thing that why always the religious groups and parties are ahead when it comes to defend our institutions and home land??is this true representation or pushed from the back??when we will be able to differentiate between Traitors and the pure and just akas(owners) of the country?
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Saqib Mukki
May 21, 2014 10:34am
Too many people hate Geo. I don't like them personally. However, Geo should not be banned. Democracy cannot survive without freedom of press. If Geo is banned, ALL media will be forever be silenced, and no one will ever date to challenge the future unconstitutional actions of the armed forecs. This is all ISI propaganda, that is showing who is really in charge of Pakistan. We have to stand up to such subversive forces. Yes, we made a mistake electing Zardari, and I would have loved to see his government's stay end early. However, democracy in Pakistan became stronger by letting things run its course. The same is true for Geo. We may not agree with their programming. However, banning the group will result in complete capitulation of a very important institution of democracy. Those screaming otherwise simply do not understand this fact, or they are just loyalist of the army and dont really care about democracy in the first place.
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sarah shah
May 21, 2014 10:42am
it should be banned but just for the time being to teach lesson...
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Sardar Tayyab Haider
May 21, 2014 10:42am
Geo should be banned.
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CHOWDHURY BILAL
May 21, 2014 10:46am
geo news ,keep your struggle more powerfully, cus u r the voice of cruels, I appreciate GEO group as they did good job from last 12 yers,well done geo, salute to your journalism,GEO OR JEENE DO.
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Tanzeel
May 21, 2014 10:47am
Suspension of GEO is not a quick decision but based on what GEO had been uttering against Armed forces especially when they are in a state of war and losing lives. There must be checks and balances on media. Not a single country's media malign its Armed forces the way Geo had been doing. Do we ever see CNN blaming CIA for something their reporter thinks so ?
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m h kayani
May 21, 2014 10:50am
Geo must be punished and in fact closer is the minimum action required, since the channels are totally undesirable, vulgarians and worthless in the constants no decent person will miss their transmission. However Pakistani mentality remain mindless as seen from some of the comments here. sadly your Pakistan is going down with corruption and dishonesty all the way from politicians and society at large.
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Sonny Turri
May 21, 2014 10:55am
Yes it should be banned, their offices funds and infrastructure seized. A bold message needs to go out. Media cannot spread lies about our armed forces. Should not be allowed.
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Sonny Turri
May 21, 2014 10:56am
@muzamil hussain well said brother
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Sonny Turri
May 21, 2014 10:57am
@Indian Pakistanis don't care what indians (of all people) think. Thanks
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Sonny Turri
May 21, 2014 10:57am
@Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali censorship against traitors? Good!
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Waqas
May 21, 2014 11:05am
I am in favor of the decision. The private sector is responsible for the exploitation of our culture. This is an Islamic state whether someone agrees or not. The complete name of Pakistan is Islamic Republic of Pakistan. And guess what what when you wake up in the morning you get to see dances, marriages, exclusive dressings and indian songs. Is this what we as a nation depict? With liberty comes great responsibility. One should know there is someone always watching our acts and we will be answerable. The role of media and journalism is to depict the audience the clear and true picture of the situation of the country within limits. Not to go off line as Geo was doing and many other media channels are still doing.
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A.M.K
May 21, 2014 11:06am
Are the T.V channels bigger then integrity of Pakistan ,owners of T.V channel live abroad for fear of back lash ?
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Qalim
May 21, 2014 11:07am
Ridiculous self- publicising act on the part if three private members of PEMRA without any comprehension of the body's rule - a sad and abhorent act of overstepping the authority not withstanding GEO's transgressions! Even sadder is the veiled gloating of some anchors and 'alleged' journalists without unequivocal condemnation of the act - hunting with the hounds and running with the hares at the same time! Fortunately we still have the likes of Naseem Zahra, Mazhar Abbas, Matiullah Jan, Kashif Abbasi, Talat Hussain Nadeem Malik providing an objective outlook. Perhaps time to ban doctors from achoring news talk shows. By all means penalise the wrongdoers but Ban the medicority in institutions -all of them including the 'sensitive institutions' (ha ha ha ) a commentator here refers to - NOT media houses. Ban Israr Abbasi and the likes from any public institution - one hopes PPP sends him a show cause notice for bringing PEMRA into even more disrepute. The ONLY acceptable censorship is people themselves choosing not to watch or read - power if the off button on the remote - let me make that choice myself!
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mushi
May 21, 2014 11:10am
@Harmony No apologies required. PEMRA did the right thing. There is no apology acceptable for treason
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Sheikh
May 21, 2014 11:14am
I checked 100s of people here in Saudi, all hate the Geo Group and appreciate the decision of Geo license suspension, There is no doubt that they are against the country and funded from outside.
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azhar
May 21, 2014 11:19am
I think they deserve it ....... Should be banned
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Sanjay
May 21, 2014 11:25am
Geo is the only credible channel in Pakistan.
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Nabeel
May 21, 2014 11:31am
Freedom of speech does not mean you can malign state departments on a "hunch". As for the morning show i believe it was in bad taste and should be made an example of.
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Sarfraz
May 21, 2014 11:32am
Definitely! I think the right question is why is the TV still on air? Why hasn't it already been shut down. Its high time for Geo to pay for it's foreign financed clandestine activities.
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salman
May 21, 2014 11:33am
Mistakes from both sides, GEO was going unstoppable and spread sensation in the country and they were crossing the red line. It was no more an entertainment and news channel & still they are not willing to learn from there mistakes, Remember..justify doubles the fault! I suggest that instead continuing the protest and agitation and taking the matter to public, settle in closed door meeting with the concerned authorities.
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arbaz
May 21, 2014 11:40am
You forgot to mention in ur artictle what pamra member said in an interview yesterday in the 11th hour that we have folled all the procedure sent a notice to geo but their lawyer said we did not do any thing wrong,there was no apology in their reply.
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Malikpur Janderbari Abbottabad
May 21, 2014 11:51am
It is only politics by PEMRA members also. PEMRA should be dissolved and new neutral body should be constituted which will review all channels including Geo. These members Israr Abbasi and Mr. Shah has resigned but now giving the decision of suspension of channels, what is the moral authority? All channels committed the same mistake but none of us raise voice, in case of Geo because agencies are against geo therefore they mobilized all resources against them, they also committed mistakes but in PAkistan every body have mistakes and this is learning process......!
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fareed
May 21, 2014 12:26pm
Free press is in country's favour - geo has been breaching code of conducte the authorities should give them appropriate warning to shape up or ship out.
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Anwar
May 21, 2014 12:36pm
Pakistan can't progress without freedom of speech, patience and tolerance. But at the same time print and electronic media should also exhibit a sense of responsibility. Every thing did, said and acted in haste is not an act to bring good result. It seems Geo owners left every thing loosely on the whims of workers. They should learn lessons and keep a tight overseeing. They should seek forgiveness, they will be respected. Geo channels or any other channel shouldn't be closed. It will not bring good name to the country. .
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A Rehman
May 21, 2014 12:41pm
What Dark Days ?What Democracy? and What freedom of expressions? Geo has committed blunder after blunder because they thought no one had the guts and capacity to challenge whatever nonsense they kept of sending on air. Their style of concocted coverage of events has been harming Pakistan inside and outside, day in and day out. Countless controversies have been unearthed which concern only the people employed by Geo Group. This is the only channel which had been permitted to open 5 channels by the ex CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry, altogether a fishy fishy affair. It is the only channel against whom thousands of Pakistani citizens have expressed their demand to shut it down, We all boast about freedom of expression right? so let the freedom of expression of a common man be honoured and this illegitimate media machine be shut down for the benefit of us all. And this should be a snappy affair.
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Jamshed Khan
May 21, 2014 12:48pm
@Indian Your support for Geo is quite understandable because Geo has in many ways served the Indian purpose.
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Jamshed Khan
May 21, 2014 12:49pm
What Geo did cannot be a simple mistake. It was a purposeful act to gain attention and therefore must be punished.
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Jamil Ahmad
May 21, 2014 12:59pm
That's good news for the people of Pakistan that they the "authority" to shut down these channels feeding propaganda 24hours and commercializing religion and politics. There is a limit to every things, there cannot be unbounded freedom.
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zafar
May 21, 2014 01:01pm
@AW Why would democracy be harmed by closing GEO ? The group's activities are dubious and anti-state., so anywhere in the world controlled freedom of speech is given unlike our media houses who transgress the norms and are promoting hatred, vulgarity and trying to change the mindset of our younger generation by distorting the ideology and very existence of Pakistan . About time it happens or you can kiss goodbye to the future of this country. Why cant people understand how these things are affecting the very fabric of the nation. What will you do with freedom of speech if there is no country. THINK !!!
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Akram
May 21, 2014 01:12pm
This is a dangerous move for press freedom. and a big mistake nationally. This is not the 1980's where you can ban something and stop people from receiving news. Satellite TV and internet are all means to avoid such foolish bans, it is so out of date a move I'm honestly speechless. PEMRA have obviously been leaned on, by the security services no doubt and they should not have buckled. The government should step in and reverse this.
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Ali Hemani
May 21, 2014 01:12pm
@Iftikhar ... After making such a blunder (intentional or unintentional) GEO deserve even more strict punishment then the one proposed. This is going to clean agenda based / non professional journalism. It will strengthen the media and restore prestige of the media. Dr. Shahid Masood very well concluded yesterday --- "Media aazaad nahi awara hogaya hay" He may be referring to GEO. Don't you think it fits well on GEO.
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Farrukh
May 21, 2014 01:13pm
I dot know why people are still in the state of disbelief on banning Geo or for that matter any channel. There are laws in this country ( good or bad, enforced or not is purely subjective) to which you have to adhere to. And then when you are issued any license, you are expected to follow its terms and conditions. Now if Geo has done something contrary to its license terms then it should be penalized. BTW, they were getting bit too big for your shoes..........their job, as a channel, is to inform and not to malign institution and personalities......stick to core business GEO....
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Ali Hemani
May 21, 2014 01:15pm
@Sayyar Khan .....Some Groups are against the news channel.... lol.... not some majority of the public is against GEO. We dont let our young ones watch the channels as it is not healthy in anyway. This practise is being followed in my home even before any of these event happened. And by the way i have no relationship with ISI...
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zafar
May 21, 2014 01:15pm
@Sanjay perhaps from your perspective my friend !!
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Ali Jabbar
May 21, 2014 01:16pm
Its a good omen for the country as whole. Its high time the so called intelligensia of media houses wake upto the horrors they have pushed us all in!
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Ali Hemani
May 21, 2014 01:21pm
To the people who say Don't Ban GEO........ If the world see me live killing someone today and again after few day and then again after few day..... What should be done with me.. Ooh yes i am apologizing..... It is criminal not to ban GEO immediately for their repeated error.
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Aziz
May 21, 2014 01:25pm
The press today. What next tomorrow that these people might not like? Some people believe that it is OK to cut the nose to smite the face. Imran Khan as a Pakistani politician is doing well because he is essentially an opportunist but not a statesman. He does not have it in him to balance the pros and cons in the long run. For me I have written him off completely today for his regressive opportunism. So far I felt he was acting alone but no more. It is not about Geo any longer but something much bigger which we cannot see now but our sixth sense warns us of the looming danger.
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Abdullah
May 21, 2014 01:32pm
Congratulations the king makers are gone
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Abdullah
May 21, 2014 01:36pm
@Iftikhar yea and let supreme court do the damage
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Ali Hemani
May 21, 2014 01:38pm
@Malikpur Janderbari Abbottabad ... Your point has no weight... you are accepting that GEO made the mistake but arguing that GEO should not be penalized as others in the past made mistake as well but were not penalized..... There is a difference between the mistakes made by GEO and other --- the magnitude is different. Plus when you agree that a mistake has been made by GEO but they should not be penalized because others have made the similar mistake and were not penalized is an invalid argument and will set wrong trend.
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A Pakistani
May 21, 2014 01:40pm
Banning Geo is a terrible decision. Why not ARY as well? Apparently this special treatment for Geo is under the tremendous pressure of Army. May Allah guide our security forces in favor of strengthening democracy in the country where people can dare to speak truth and another Bangladesh is not carved out. Outside world looks at people in Pakistan as living in dark ages where stronger can do whatever he/she likes regardless the Law of the Land.
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bkt
May 21, 2014 02:04pm
@Harmony What you really mean is that Geo should have apologized to the ISI unconditionally for speaking the truth. Even Fazlul Rehman has decided that there is an ISI within the ISI. Soon he will be chased out of Pakistan as well. Have a good trip sir
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omar khan
May 21, 2014 02:45pm
I think banning geo will not resolve this, it is a case of complete miss management and lack or character from the management of geo they should be tried in court. The CEO should be answerable to all executive issues
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tani
May 21, 2014 05:44pm
The question is not simple whether we should ban a certain tv channel or not. The question is how responsible are theses media channels in reporting. There seems to be no responsible reporting,channels do not follow any guidelines(if they have any).The news is presented with lots of added heat and wrong emphasis. They do not present news as a news they just simply copy indian channels where news is presented with lots of mirch masala. No country will criticise their secret services so bluntly. Even news reportersin UK and USwill think hard before blaming their agencies. Look at the case of Snowden.The guy had all sorts of evidence but still needed to runaway from his own country before he could go against his own government. In case of H.Mir he levelled allegations without any evidence and the allegations were aired without any evidence. A responsible journalist/tv channel will always eveluate such an important news. If NOT then the consequencs will follow.....
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rana rafi
May 21, 2014 05:51pm
Its good decison by the pemra to suspend geo channels. Geo is involved ain blasphamy, rediculling Pak army, and pak enemies agenda setting in pakistan to build and mold the opinion of the common man against pak idiology and pak army. I love My country and its institutions dignity. All the channels shud be banned those invloved in this kind of things against pakistan. Meer Shakeel (son of meer jafir and meer sadiq should come in Pakistan and face the peoples anger) Many of Ashiq e Rasool and Ashqan e Ahle baitand Quran will teach him the lesson of respect for relegion and mentioned Islam. On the other hand The employees of geo network they are innocent and are our brothers and sisters. They should understand that Allah is the great and provide the earnings(Rizq) to the people. Geo is not there Razik. Allah will make another source of their earnings. They also shud understand that it will not be a banned on free expressions. You know, no country, no releigion and society permits to blasphmy and ridicule the defense institution. Shame on (Khusro Pervaiz) Pervaiz Rasheed and Nawaz shareef in this regards on protecting the Meer Shakeel. Pakistan Zinda Abad.
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Mike Ghaous
May 22, 2014 08:56am
The confrontation between the two major media houses of the country resulted in this fiasco. Blessing in disguise. Ours is not a western country. Sure media must have liberty but not on the expense of security & religious issues. Ban or no ban. Hope the media learns the lesson, sooner the better.
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Faiz
May 22, 2014 11:00am
It is a corrupt channel and should have been banned long time ago. BAN GEO Period.
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Hammad
May 22, 2014 11:42am
Seems that everyone is in the flow of Emotions ---- When Media declares self proclamation of who is right or wrong , society follows the similar norms /practices . They are making their own decisions, we believe in democracy than People have the right to say their words against a media house , if we believe in theocracy (media house) than mine act is the best (be that against defense agencies or religion )
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Syed Husain
May 22, 2014 12:10pm
Only responsible journalism should be allowed. All news reporting should be based on facts and not on personal opinions. Media should not be allowed as a propaganda machine against anyone or against any institution. What Geo did was absolutely wrong and deserves the punishment that was meted out.
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Syed Husain
May 22, 2014 12:10pm
Only responsible journalism should be allowed. All news reporting should be based on facts and not on personal opinions. Media should not be allowed as a propaganda machine against anyone or against any institution. What Geo did was absolutely wrong and deserves the punishment that was meted out.
Recommend 0
dr wajahat
May 22, 2014 01:23pm
Geo should be banned forever
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Muhammad Sadiq
May 22, 2014 01:31pm
All Geo channels should immediately be stopped airing its all program as a punishment for it has telecast the sacrilegious program which should not be pardoned on mere begging pardon. Nevertheless, the Almighty Allah can forgive but we as a muslim can not forgive Geo.
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Mohsin
May 22, 2014 04:10pm
Yes it must get Banned forever!
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NASAH (USA)
May 22, 2014 09:51pm
They are killing the journalists in Pakistan -- now they want to kill journalism as well.
Recommend 0
Khan
May 22, 2014 09:52pm
Ban on Geo is a relief to the people ...
Recommend 0
Zak
May 23, 2014 12:52am
Resounding YES
Recommend 0

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