KARACHI: Workers and supporters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement gathered in front of the Karachi Press Club on Friday to protest against the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority for allegedly imposing an unannounced ban on airing Altaf Hussain’s speeches on television channels.

Carrying tri-colour party flags and placards, the protesters, including women, shouted slogans against Pemra and demanded that the unannounced ban be lifted forthwith as it was tantamount to curbing the freedom of expression.

Speaking on the occasion, senior MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar declared that his party would never accept any minus-Altaf formula.

He claimed that in Islamabad certain quarters were plotting to create “a new MQM”. “We will oppose anyone who talks about minus-one [formula],” he added.

Dr Sattar said that the Pemra ban on Mr Hussain’s speeches was unjust. The freedom of expression was being blocked in Karachi as authorities were not willing to tolerate voices of dissent, he added.

He said that Mr Hussain was following the policy of reconciliation and peace.

About the Karachi operation, he said that the MQM never demanded an end to the operation.

He said that the MQM only asked the authorities to conduct an impartial and transparent operation within the legal and constitutional framework.

The MQM leader said that at present human rights and constitutional liberties were being violated in Karachi in the name of the operation.

“A worst kind of dictatorship has been imposed in Karachi in the name of democracy.”

He said that all political problems must be resolved politically without putting illegal pressure.

Other MQM leaders, including Abdul Haseeb and Gulfraz Khattak, also criticised Pemra and demanded that the “unjust ban” be lifted.

They said that the MQM was being punished for raising its voice against injustices.

Later, the participants in the protest demonstration dispersed peacefully.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2015

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