BRUSSELS, Nov 11: The world’s biggest group representing journalists has condemned the Pakistani government’s decision to expel three British newspaper reporters, saying such acts will only encourage instability.

“Banning international media and gagging local journalists will not solve problems,” said Aidan White, general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists, in a statement issued in Brussels on Saturday night.

“It smacks of intolerance, will only encourage further instability and destroys international confidence in government promises of a quick return to the rule of law and democracy,” he said.

Pakistan on Saturday gave three reporters for Britain’s Telegraph group 72 hours to leave the country after saying they used “foul and abusive language” against the country and its leadership.

Under the emergency rule currently in force, the media are barred from publishing or broadcasting material that “defames” President Gen Pervez Musharraf, the armed forces or the government.

The order says there is a maximum punishment of three years in prison or a fine of Rs10 million for anyone who breaches the code.—AFP