KARACHI, Nov 10: The Geo television news channel said on Saturday it had lodged a petition in the Sindh High Court against the blackout and media curbs introduced after the imposition of emergency rule.

“We have challenged the ban on the telecast of independent TV channels by the government and also the fresh laws aimed at reining in the media,” the president of Geo Television said.

He said the ban slapped by the government on Geo News and other private channels a week ago was against “fundamental rights.” Many international news channels such as CNN and BBC World have also been taken off air.

Under emergency rule, the media are barred from publishing or broadcasting material that defames Gen Musharraf, the armed forces or the government.

The order says there is a maximum punishment of three years in prison or a fine of 10 million rupees for anyone who breaches the code.—AFP