Geo News and ARY One World shut down
Yesterday, i wrote that only Geo was not airing, while other TV channels were slowly returning with their programming. A lot of you commented that Geo shouldn’t be allowed to air as it was biased and too negative for your liking. Looks like the govt. has listened to you grievance. Yesterday, Geo News and ARY One World were effectively shutdown internationally, with the Dubai Govt. closing them on pressure from Islamabad.
ARY is still broadcasting other channels in its portfolio, including The Music, HBO, QTV and FashionTV among others, while Geo has not channels on the cable with Geo TV, Geo News and Aag all being banned.
I wonder how this will affect the future of these networks. Your thoughts?
According to the newspapers and other news sources, Geo Tv has been permanently shut down by the great King of the Country (need not to mention the name). This is a pure evidence of Monarchism, where everything happens according to the will of the King.
Now we have two channels back on air, Dawn News and Aaj Tv and more regional channels would be coming up soon. But its not worth watching a controlled media. All other networks would NOW be more careful and more like PTV.
I dont know what will happen to this country.
A question for the community: I am really concerned about the employees. Whats their future? Do we see increasing unemployment? Because Geo network employs more than 5000 of human resource.
Well that was expected ofcourse, with Musharaf taking out his political enemies on by one, the latest casualties in this regard being GEO and ARY. His sphere of influence reaches as far as UAE. Mir Shakeel should have known better. This man would do anything to stay in power. Even the BB played rite into his hands and fell into his trap. He’s definately a brilliant strategist if nothing else.
Like I have been saying LOUD & Clear since long -
NO ONE CAN FIGHT, RESIST, & SUSTAIN THE CONFLICT WITH THE POWER OF GOVERNMENT.
This was expected, Governments SUPPORTS Governments,
I would still vote for him over Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif any day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Janmal,
The govt is on a steep slippery slope — downhill. Just you watch!
Goodthing,
The problem is that he is not asking for anyone’s vote. Had he believed in securing power through vote, Pakistan would have seen much better days.
Geo and Jang have a long history of political black mailing , Geo and Jang have also been close associates of ISI and the military , they have a dangerous agenda to turn down Pakistan into terrorist Taliban state , but they can not express this “WISH” openly , I think that the anchors of Geo are nothing in front of anchors of other channels like Talat Hussain and Nusrat Jawaid of AAJ , Ayaz Amir of ARY , Mujahid Barelvi of CNBC , Jasmeen Manzoor of business Plus , yar I can bet it you just see one episode of that thug dramma baz Hamid Mir and than see any episoide of Mijahid Barelvi , you will notice the difference your self , people like Mujahid Barelvi,Jasmeen Manzoor , Nusrat Jawaid represents the real spirit of Pkaistan they always discuss the core issues touching the life of common Pakistani , they criticize the goverment ,they puch the goverment but that also in a civilized way…..
Faisal: “people like Mujahid Barelvi,Jasmeen Manzoor , Nusrat Jawaid represents the real spirit of Pkaistan they always discuss the core issues touching the life of common Pakistani , they criticize the goverment ,they puch the goverment but that also in a civilized way…..”
Is that why “Live with Talat” and “Bolta Pakistan” have been banned?
“Geo and Jang have a long history of political black mailing , Geo and Jang have also been close associates of ISI and the military , they have a dangerous agenda to turn down Pakistan into terrorist Taliban state , but they can not express this “WISH” openly”
Man you are close minded Geo is a little to libreal and does not represent the Pakistani people at times first off all they air shows like lux style awards…. which is fine i like eye candy to but tell did that represent the styles that are practic e to everyday Pakistani…. I am against all POLITICAL parties in PAKISTAN including the ARMY they are all cheaters no one gives a crap about Pakistan we don’t even have a real constitution… WE SHOULD BE A SECLUAR STATE AND NOT A ISLAMIC ONE…. AND IF YOU DISAGREE WIT HME LOOK AT THE AMOUT OF CRUPTION IN PAKISTAN… is that how Muslims behave??? I left Pakistan as a youth and have come to the conclusion that our leaders are representitive of our people so blame your self before you blam a leader… WE WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST LIKE COUNTRIES IN AFRICA there but only taking up space… we have no ethical values yet we call our selfs Muslims and yet we are always ready to play the blame game and blame U.S wile the honest truth is U>S does whats good for them yet we do whats good for us on a personal level and not the coutry as whole….. May ASllah have mercy on us….. we use everything as an excuse to justify our behaviours be it bombing our self to death or sliting throat of a police officer is sawat how the hell can a muslim do that to another muslim or hell any human being… All I have to say to average honest PAKISTANIS is you are less then 10-20% of the population get out of Pakistan there is no use saving a lost cause unless a devine merical happens from god….
@Khanabadosh do u mean country is on slope,
- where you live ? in Pakistan or somewhere else, ?
we all will live to see the new elected govt taking oath on or before Jan 30th 2007. else we shall all dump our shaving kits and trousers,
correction :) 30th Jan 2008 :) sorry for typo!
we all will live to see the new elected govt taking oath on or before Jan 30th 2008.
Inn sha ALLAH
*moderated, irrelevant*
i’m not clear on what basis Geo was shut down in dabayy. can anyone please elaborate.
No problem, Jamal. Jan. 30 2008. We shall see.
InshaAllah.
Pakistani media misused the independence which was surprisingly given to them not by a democrat but by a military dictator. In my opinion the entire electronic media was biased against the government and their reporting was not impartial. The job of a journalist should be to report the news correctly to people. He should not taint his news by mixing his own sentiments. For example if it is reported by certain newsman that violence erupted between two parties than it is a fact which he has every right to report. But if he favours one party than that is not good journalism. This is what the media men were doing. Dr. Shahid Masood is certainly not a good analyst. He has no professional training for a journalist. He used to cry hoarse over democracy and his experts have always been top military generals and retired bureaucrats.
Kargil and Dhaka ke Bagore, Supreme Court ke baad Ab Channels Fateh Kar Rahe hain.
F*** u napak army
@ Faisal Ejaz Khan
An inside news for you faisal, Talat Hussain almost jumped to Geo but backed out after the shut down.
Come on yaar, these journalists are not going to give up. They even got beaten with whips (koray) on streets in the time of Zia but they didn’t budge. Truth prevails, no matter what dictators do. No dictator’s name is written in history with golden letters, only those who stood up to him are remembered as heroes. So if Musharraf thinks that he has achieved something even remotely significant, he is a fool. If anything, Geo’s stock among the public has gone even higher.. Geo and its anchors have people’s respect now, something Musharraf can only dream of.
dhaka k bhagoray, heeh I liked it.
American Jhon with his naikar and Panty(John NegroPonte) coming to Pakistan. Musharraf is shivering!!
Geo and its anchors have people’s respect now, something Musharraf can only dream of.
very well said.
Another sad day in the history of Pakistan. Shameless, cowardly, darstardly acts by a brutal dictator, supported fully by the cowards of (na)Pak army who are only brave enough to occupy their own country, but lay down their arms in their thousands when it comes to fighting the real enemy. But these shameless bunch of bloody buffoons have always failed to realize that they can imprison the people who love freedom and democracy, silence them with guns, or even send them to the gallows, but they have yet to invent the missile that can kill a nation’s dream for constitutional rule. No matter how long this takes, no matter how arduous the struggle is, this is going to be yet another battle that Pakistani army and its generals shall lose. Insha Allah.
Its NOT Musharraf
he is now ONLY A EX-Army Chief with (s)election of people he is an existing President of ISLAMIC Republic of Pakistan.
- it is Collectively THE ARMY – :)
It is ARMY rule in civis.. guys,
It is US & WEST shivering with threat of Nukes slipping to the hands of Beards,
President of Pakistan an ex-commando is dealing with BOTH which no civilian can ever dare,
am praising ARMY not the Musharraf, and again it is not about Pro – or – Anti Musharraf,
HAD he been SO BAD for THE PAKISTAN, there could have been a COUP long before,,,
Mush made a grave mistake by freeing Media in 2000. He miscalculated things and thought that free media would not be different than PTV. Now mush must be regretting why did he think about this pvt media thingie.
This is blessings (Read stupidity) of Musharraf that He made Shahid,Hamid and Talat as Heroes for Pakistanis. Also credit goes to Mush that his ignorance made a cricketer like Imran Khan a popular politician in few days.
This emergency seems very helpful for Pakistan. Keep it up Mush!!
@ Tayyab
you have no idea :)
Dhaka & Kargil is failure of Civilian Governments’
Fall of Dhaka is purely political defeat and Bhutto was maligned with disinformation which made him intoxicated with power and made blunders under influence of ‘Bureaucracy’ – Dhaka is a bleeding wound for MANY till date.
Kargil – Nawaz Shareef went to Clinton seeking HELP what to do in the WIN situation, which resulted in withdrawal of army from posts which were captured in the disputed Kashmir and of vital importance to India. – Withdrawl was a defeat of Nawaz Shareef and a clear tone of Displeasure was communciated to HIM by the GHQ. -
How many Pakistani Soldiers died ? does any one have digits of those shaheeds,
geo ab ja ker siyo
do let us know how many stitches…
jacknjill: lol!! the BEST pun on geo i’ve heard yet :D
Shamsi, I didn’t know that Yahya and Niazi were part of “Civil Govt” *shakes head*.
as far as kargil is ocncerned, the general who didn’t like to meet vajpai during his famous “Train Visit” was begging like hell in India in 2000.
@jamal
it would be a long discussion abt fall of dhaka or kargil but i just want to say one thing go and read hamod-ul-rehman commission report…Bacha bacha of pakistan knows that only Army has ruled in this country no political process hasn’t prevailed coz Army generals don’t want to see pakistan prosper.
in the 60 year history of pakistan?does any gerneral put behind bar?they army dogs has raped our sisters in dhaka,killed youth in karachi,killed thousand of people in swat,balochistan and in wazirsitan…abt corruption go & read Military inc that how these generals make billion of rupees.
Respect can,t be give or order ,it has to be earned through actions sorry to say Our Napak army don’t deserve to be respected the way he doing his duties in last 60 years.
adnan & others: we get it you dont like the general and the army and who-so-ever you want to add to that list. but why cant you refrain from name calling and focus on WHY?
Is it necessary to abuse and engage in derogatory language every time? Come on people, be civil at least..
If you think he’s not good at his job and doesn’t uphold whatever ideals you have in a leader, say it, by all means, we’re not stopping you. But at least do it amicably and in a civilized manner. Arguments do not necessarily have to be a contest of who can abuse each other the most.
@Tayyab –
Now you got it right dude – This country is MADE for ARMY when Viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten ALLOWED division of India, He was a Soldier himself
- http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/2003/10/12/stories/2003101200190300.htm –
So not EXPECT Grass root Civilians to be managing Pakistan without the “approval” of ARMY.
You answered all in few lines – Thank you.
- @ ADNAN -
Niazi WAS – The commander In-chief of Army in EAST PAKISTAN –
jo jeetay woh ghazi
jo bhaga woh niazi – was the famous lines during 70s & 80s’
Z.A Bhutto was the Civilian Martial Law Administrator – when Dhaka fall 16 12 1971 occured
& IN 2000 visit to India Musharraf was NOT General at WaR – He was graciously accepted and addressed as President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in INDIA and their Media -
even the hardcore newspaper THE HINDU & the video Hardcore muslim opponent news channel JAN PATH did not vocalised about Army Chief of Pakistan visiting India – He was termed as President of Pakistan
:)
See it is a maze of Global Hippo-Cracy, double standards and “expedeiences” or “need-of-time” or “nazarya-ay-zarorat”
and we commoners fight and drift away from singualr cause, OUR RULE…. which is a dream since 1947
and east Pakistan was PAkistan that time so Niazi coudn’t be called Chief of a bangali state. :-). That was seperate tussle between Bhutto and Mujeeb. How “Pak” army raped women and girls in Dhaka. Something which one can’t ignore at all. at that time Bengalis were “talibans” of 70s Army. :-)
See it is a maze of Global Hippo-Cracy, double standards and “expedeiences” or “need-of-time” or “nazarya-ay-zarorat”
nods- Thanks you yourself elaborate how anr Army Chief or Indian hater become a “President” when he came in power.
Infact status of Bhutto was no different than status of Shujat in Mush’s governman. Both played in hands of Army.
On a related note, I made a post based on picture published in jang today. It seems we are no better than the nomad
Hi Khanabadosh… Pak shud be a secular state?? but why? like India ? where 2000 muslims were killed (most of them were burnt), 1000s of women were rraped during that clash in Gujrat, only 3-4 percent of the govt employees r Muslims. Where Shivseena Official Statement was that v wud spoil the pitch if pak played on it. or like Turkey? where skarfs arent allowed.. Women wearing skarfs arnt employed by employees and they’re begging to become a part of Europe but still fruitless.
Cutting a throat of a policeman is condemnable but why the Milarary shudnt be condemned who killed 100s of women (according to talat) by Phosphorus Bombs. Debris of the Quran and body parts were found in the MAsjid even after 15 days.
During the current operation in Swat, 20s of citizens have been killed by the bombimgs of the PAK ARMED FORCES. for your info only 500 miltants came from Afghanistan after the US Invasion but now thery are 80000. and some sources say they are 1,000,0000. I hope what our miltary did in the East Pak wudnt do in Fata os Swat otherwise we will have another Bangladesh.. the worst part wud be wont awake again then.
Ek general..
I think the journalism practised in pakistan is more like the jiyalas, very emotional and very instigating. It seems they are looking for a revolution in the country. As a pakistani who has travelled extensively around the world it seems that these journalist forget about news being objective. Hence they end up biased. Even in the United States when journalist interview Politicians, they ask questions in a respectful way no matter how much they disagree with their views. Secondly their Media is free but they never report anything which is against their foreign policy. I think our media should learn how to portray pakistan to the world.
Guess what Musharaf is saying now?
“Pakistan’s Musharraf warns on nuke weapons
President defends emergency rule, saying arms could fall into wrong hands”
An interesting chnage in stance wouldnt you say so?
Whole article can be found at
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21844737/
It’s fantastic news to me. And after a long time, really. Govt. of UAE must be congratulated for closing down bloody GEO channels. I hope they can close down ALL ary channels as well. That would be great. We don’t want big fishes to eat smaller ones.
Yesterday, someone commented to me that since the closing of GEO many Karachi wallas have become normal. No more suicide bomber’s headless bodies, no more mutiliated people, no more Drama baaz, Amir Liaqat, no more Israeli propogandas. I hope Govt. of Dubai and Govt. of Pakistan sticks to this wonderful decision. As a media person myself (I freelance for Dawn, Friday Times, Sri Lankan Airlines, and PIA’s Humsafar) I can feel the liberty at the shutting down of GEO.
Let’s party!
@ Saeed :)
You just hit the nail on its head Ouch! in a positive way
So all you Ex journalists (with appology) and journalists wannabe s, before attempting another blah blah…
I suggest you to read the above Mr Saeed`s comments.
And if it doesnt sink in at first, then read again
Its a good news for all those how have weak hearts. Now they have better survival chance. Geo should not return to air ever after. Freedome of press does not mean that Media lies and present it as if it is truth. This was the same Jang Group how was one of the reason the last 4 governments of BB and NS were brought down. This Yellow Journalism should not happen again, which results in destability of the country. I live in UAE and the freedome of speach which is in Pakistan can not be imagined here. In Pakistan we can say what ever we want against the president and Prime Minister on TV and News Paper. but in UAE and other GCC countries if a single word is uttered or written against the rulers in media then you will be in jail next day. Infact the news paper published in UAE has to get the government clearance for the contents of the news paper before it can be published on a daily basis.
The problem with Pakistan is that we consider it our right to malign our opponents in every possible way. Media can not and should not be consider it self a holy Cow which is above accountability and responsibility.
Good decision at the end by Musharraf.
FAS: *The problem with Pakistan is that we consider it our right to malign our opponents in every possible way. Media can not and should not be consider it self a holy Cow which is above accountability and responsibility.* well said!
“Girtay hain shahsawar hi madane jang mein”
American Tuttoos(all Generals in GHQ)will have to repent one day…inshAllah a time will come when people of pakistan drag these bastard army walas into court.
There are rules and regulations that every human must follow. Religions for example are a set of beliefs and rules that people must follow in order to live a happy and successful life. We have rules and regulations everywhere and what GEO, AAJ and ARY did was misusing the power that was given to them by none other than Musharaf himself.
It seems that ARY, AAJ and “specially” GEO had forgotten that they also had to follow some rules and guidelines. The water was over the bridge a long time ago and the act of shutting GEO Network down has been long overdue!
I have been talking to many people regarding this issue and like it or not and believe it or not but 8 out of 10 people supported the banning of GEO TV Network as they also deemed it to be biased. The majority of the people are happy about it and they also believe that GEO deserved it.
It’s about time that our Media learns the difference between using your freedome and abusing your freedome.
Geo News has been put to death openly. Last night They were forced to shut down because they did not sign the undertaking by the government.
If this keeps on going we will have no source of truth whatsoever. Pakistan is being forced into ‘stone age’ or probably worse than that because in stone age at least there was a potential for advancement for the people but the era in which we are being thrown has nothing but pitch darkness and oppression for the people.
So wee have to do something for the independence of media.
“I do not agree to what you say, but I will fight till death your right to say it- Voltaire”
So, if banning Geo was a good thing, then the Democratic party in US, when it comes to power, will also ban Fox TV ?
It is not whether Geo is Fox or not or whatever…it is about freedom of expression.
And many on this page will gladly want to leave Pakistan for the West and start accepting and liking the freedom of expression. THAT is hypocrisy.
Hello to all,
Thanks God Geo is off air, now there wont be any rumors now. All reports/news will be based on truth. And the leader of this era will be our own PTV. Pakistan is leading towards prosperity only in PTV. Economy of Pakistan is rising, where? Just go and see PTV. There is no agitation against emergency aka marshal law no where in Pakistan, but only on PTV. So if u r with Mushi and like to see Pakistan rising above all countries, just watch PTV. There wont be any frustration after that as all is good according to PTV
I live in West Africa. The only source to pakistani news here was Geo News and ARYoneworld. Unlike pakistan we dont have cable operator but have DSTV instead here which does not provide any of the pakistani channel, so we had to install dish antennas to watch them. The judgment of a leader in Pakistan is not how good he is but how less bad he is than the other. Based on this i remained a supporter of General Musharaf for all what he did uptil a few months ago. Musharaf may be a very good person but being a good person does not guarantee good decissions. The problem lies with the mentality of being a military man. Recall his words at any of his address. He used the word I more than We and sometime We after already have spoken I. His recent words action and incaction show his mentality of treating the situation as being at war. Running a country is different that leading a war. There are some people who love money and others who love power. Being uncorrupt is not a credit. General Ziaulhaq was also uncorrupt. He didnt make palaces or industries for his family. Both these Generals are following exactly the same line with a sligth difference which is because of the time difference. What General Zia did was not because what he wanted to defame or destroy pakistan but because he thought what he is doing is the right thing without taking other’s opinion into consideration. And its the same with this General. And as a matter of fact it will be the same principle for any other General. The reason is taking or complying to opinion of others is not a part of an army man.
I do differ at some places with the hot anchors these days (all on all channels) but that does not give you a license to kill them. They have favoured government at many places uptil the recent months. The so called women bill was basically because of Geo that normal people accepted it, the lal masjid issue was because of the same channels that pakistan got itself show the so called millitants, not enough coverage was given to bugti case, no special or real attention was given to kashmir and waziristan.
The charges on iftikhar may be true but do they carry enough ground for a person of the caliber of chief justice to be put into suspension? the charges on media are valid BUT TO A VERY SMALL DEGREE. And if you want a zero tolerance policy then the first person you should remove from his service is the great Shujat Husssain for his every now and then very irresponsible statments. You should ban the other chaudry for using government resources in order to fulfil his party themes. Lot to more to say but am afraid no one is listening. I pray to Allah to give prosperity and happiness to all Pakistanis who live in and out side Pakistan and to give them the wisdom to judge people rightly. One man show is never a good governance. The real good governance is in transfering the power to people. PLEASE MIND THAT THIS IS NOT A MILITRAY LESSON SO NO GENERAL IS EXPECTED TO SHOW IT. Had these 8 years went by in either BB or Nawaz government the situation of pakistan would have been much better. Some say the country would have been sold to foreigners. I say whats wrong in it and by the way our country is now fully sold to the US because of our enganement in war on terror.
People on this forum and elsewhere who oppose freedom to express one’s view cannot be blamed. After all how would they know any better?
This attribute we are not taught at home, and is definitely missing from our adult life too.
I repeat the apt words of someone greater than me, ‘Lord, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’
@Mansoor: when was I name calling Buddy? r u alright? seems dictator’s pressure has finally started transferring to his community.
and BTW the guy in Youtube is not abusing. he’s just saying truth. Yea I do agree that existence of general and his kartoot become more filither than any “Gaali”
http://tinyurl.com/2vctgv
Did I go mad? Or suddenly, my personality changed? Am I Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
President Musharraf
The general admitting he violated the Constitution and still confirms about his insanity. eheh
I will not support this complete ban, this is not a good idea. If GEO wants to be FOX News of Pakistan, then let it be. If Dubai doesnt let them transmit, they can shift to Singapore or Phillipines, then what?
The question now is whose job it is to lead the fight for civil liberties and freedom of expression? Yes, its the politicians. What we are seeing now is our political brass seems incapable of mobilizing and inciting the people, hence, that gap is being filled by other organs of the state, which is not good either. Lately, I found Geo programming and the way they were reporting / various promos they were showing, enterring the realm of pure incitement (which is not their job), but I still waited for AAJ KAMRAN KEY SAATH to get a daily dose of sane logic. I dont know how it is like in the Print Media? What are they saying?
All I can say cool it down babes, it seems everybody is getting carried away. If the so called civil ssociety wants to run a campaign, it has to slow down and do a real self assessment, because one key ingrdient is missing and thats the public. I would suggest getting organized, joining or better still forming new political parties, networking and working with the people, building a support base and then become the instrument of change. Write now even if they are able to dent the govt the best they will do is give advantage to lame politicians, who are incapable for standing up for anything.
For everything else, I am ok with how things are progressing and the firm way that Negroponte was dealt with. BB must be squirming, its time now for her to speak to the local audience rather then saying what her lobbyists want to hear. It seems that Democracy Queen will have to do without a throne for the time being.
so Mister Zee telling about rules and regulation. Where was your preaching when KMB authors were banning comments specially Unaiza? why did you start abusing her so serverly? why a dictator is free to impose rule but not blogger of this website? KMB authors also would have similar *excuses* to ban your rants as they might have thought you spread so much *negativity*- as Bai Altaf says, “Meeta meetha hap hap, karwa karwa Thoo!”-
Keep hypocrisy aside and make some sense. Thanks
Hi All
On Nov. 3, a friend in Pakistan started a conversation on gmail chat. “Only snow was falling” on his TV screen. So he was irritated and worried. The first place I checked for information was this blog. It is from your posts and comments that I was able to give him links to alternative streaming sites, and other sources of info.
You authors and commentators of the MB Karachi, Islamabad Lahore and of other blogs around the MB ones have been and are an example of efficiency and ethics in citizen journalism and in the defense of civic values and human rights. And the great thing is that you are not pompous about it. When it’s needed to take over info because it is censored, or because MQM thugs occupied Aaj TV studios, you did and do it, efficiently, beyond your political preferences.
Then afterwards you tell about normal life, you post great pictures, you argue (at times fiercely) and laugh about politics and other subjects. All these things are darned essential too.
Even now, about the shutdown of Geo and Ary, you are arguing. That’s far more useful than a “consensus mou” (“soft-bellied consensus”?) on some hallowed values. I’m not going to enter the discussion on whether Geo went too far, whether freedom of expression can be granted and taken back by an executive etc. I don’t know Urdu and so what I know of some Geo, Ary, Aaj broadcasts, is through your discussions.
Just a link: Dubai urged to reverse decision, taken under pressure from Musharraf, to suspend broadcasting by two Pakistani TV stations, Reporters Sans Frontières / Reporters Without Borders, Nov. 17, 2007.
Thanks for your great teaching.
Best
Claude
Hi All
On Nov. 3, a friend in Pakistan started a conversation on gmail chat. “Only snow was falling” on his TV screen. So he was irritated and worried. The first place I checked for information was this blog. It is from your posts and comments that I was able to give him links to alternative streaming sites, and other sources of info.
You authors and commentators of the MB Karachi, Islamabad Lahore and of other blogs around the MB ones have been and are an example of efficiency and ethics in citizen journalism and in the defense of civic values and human rights. And the great thing is that you are not pompous about it. When it’s needed to take over info because it is censored, or because MQM thugs occupied Aaj TV studios, you did and do it, efficiently, beyond your political preferences.
Then afterwards you tell about normal life, you post great pictures, you argue (at times fiercely) and laugh about politics and other subjects. All these things are darned essential too.
Even now, about the shutdown of Geo and Ary, you are arguing. That’s far more useful than a “consensus mou” (“soft-bellied consensus”?) on some hallowed values. I’m not going to enter the discussion on whether Geo went too far, whether freedom of expression can be granted and taken back by an executive etc. I don’t know Urdu and so what I know of some Geo, Ary, Aaj broadcasts, is through your discussions.
Just a link: Dubai urged to reverse decision, taken under pressure from Musharraf, to suspend broadcasting by two Pakistani TV stations, Reporters Sans Frontières / Reporters Without Borders, Nov. 17, 2007.
Thanks for your great teaching.
Best
Claude
“I would still vote for him over Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif any day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Posted by: goodthing at November 17, 2007 11:49 AM ”
HAHAHA!. Hi-Larious! :P. Although, do you think ppl will vote – even once- on a Sunday? :P
Politics aside, Its about time someone clampled down on these idiots. They show whatever they want when ever they want it.
So many times I’ve had to change the channels or shut the tv down completely.
Why? If you have children in your house, im sure you’ve done the same.
These guys show decapitated bodies, blood and all kinds of gore without any kind of censorship.
I remember once Geo did a report on a kidnapped kid who had been killed and thrown in the sewers. Geo’s cameras were present when the police extracted his ROTTING body.
Imangine the phycological effect of such things on ppl, esp young ones. How do you explain it? More importantly, how do they dissern right from wrong if this is what they see on tv every second day??
Sure, this is certainly not the reason for creating the new charter by pemra. But if such activities are clamped down it can only be for the better.
Geo’s CEO Msg that sent to all TeamGeo, and it is for you too if You LoVe Geo Tv.
“In another attempt to curb the philosophy of GEO Aur Jenay Do, a “media free zone” bowed down against the pressure of the Pakistani Government and suspended GEO News throughout the world. Already we were the only network whose entertainment based channels were banned in Pakistan through cable. This is a dark time for all of us at TeamGEO and also for Pakistan. We have nurtured these channels with your dedication and commitment to make a difference. Inshallah we will make every effort to keep them alive and strong.
This is the time for unity and great responsibility. We need to talk to each other and keep our morale high and spread our message to has many people as possible. YOU…. ARE….. GEO! You must dessiminate the message and our story.
This Group is known for being able to take pressures and does not give in to threats and intimidation.
We will jointly arrive at decisions as to our future course of action and Insahllah emerge from this crisis stronger and more united. Even now there will be a no underhand deals with the government without taking all stakholders in confidence.
Even during these tough and emotional times we must remember our core values and purpose. We are not for or against anyone….still. The single most important thing we have been fighting for and will continue to do so is….tolerance. Tolerance for ideas, questions, opinions, people, institutions, mistakes, intentions…
Remember our viwers will be with us and even the aggressors will realize our intentions and message….and they will be ashamed and…..we WILL be back.”
Sir Utha Kay GEO!,
Mir
Mir Ibrahim Rahman (MIR) CEO, GEO TV
No dictator has been able to supress the truth and survive. If Musharraf thinks he can ban channels and hang on to power, he is dreaming. The more he bans, the more people resent him and the more they want him out!
He is shooting himself in the foot.
He(Musharaf) does look pretty bad. Good job guys!
http://www.chowk.com/articles/12785
http://www.chowk.com/articles/12926
Must read articles!
Woh:dekhein pakistan main aisa hota hai
Hum:YoS maiein essa nay heein houta..ho hee ney heein sack tha…
Whenever the Pakistani people are given anything good they have proved they can’t handle it. Simply can’t behave and abuse anything they are given. It seems like the Mush bashers are suddenly quieting down little by little. Like I had mention before Pakistani’s dont’t need democracy they need danda. That is the only language they understand. Everyone abuses anything they get in Pak and becomes a one man show. Every man is a king, so then why not Mush??
Don’t be so surprised guys, this was all going to happen. Don’t blame Mush, instead examine your own behaviour and actions. No other countries media goes on live tv and bashes their own country, it would be considered an act of treason. We blame the government for having a negative view of Pakistan in the world, but it was the media itself that hurts this country. Geo and Ary have not been fair and were always one sided. That is not journalism. Mush created these jobs for people, but I guess they don’t need them anymore. I don’t understand why people in Pak blame the US for everything, but the same people yell foul and beg US’s backin and help when it suits their interest. Selfish people. I don’t feel bad at all for anyone. I believe they got what they deserved.
mansoor, you wrote:
“A lot of you commented that Geo … was biased and too negative for your liking.”
I dont think anybody would gloat that any xyz channel is off the air. But most might agree that journalism carries great responsibility with it & there’s a fine line bewteen freedom of speech & abuse of that previlige (eg. the mohammad caricatures … which were biased & insensitive.)
And Imran lets avoid abusive language plz.
well I really want to pi###d on geo network because still they are not accepting that there is something freedom of speech, I definitely agree that journalism carries great responsibility like “Uncle Ben” said in spider man to his nephew that “Great power comes with great responsibility”. for example
just before that I was surfing geo website and click on “Geo is shut down Please Give your opinion”link, see hundreds of posts and thought to post something and take benefit of citizens journalism.Frankly speaking that me and a big bunck of people that I know don’t like geo as “imran of zorpia” said “there’s a fine line bewteen freedom of speech & abuse of that previlige”
so I post what I thought and after pressing the button called “Post” I was laughing and for me its a big h#ll joke.
I want to share with you all what I have got in the address bar:
ttp://67.59.144.177/blog/comments.asp?msg=Thank%20you%20very%20much%20for%20your%20comments.%20They%20will%20appear%20once%20they%20are%20approved%20by%20the%20moderator&id=12
for those who still can’t get this:
“Thank you very much for your comments.They will appear once they are approved by the moderator.”
Though I already know that they always said “GEO aur JEENAY DO” but for me only for their organisation or you can say their TV Network.
And as you see the link above, they are still accepting those who are saying like good good and as I said bad bad my post surely will not APPREOVED from the moderator.
as JACKnJILL said very well “Geo ab jaker siyo”
thanks
http://www.geo.tv
“Keep hypocrisy aside and make some sense. Thanks”
ADNAN SIDDIQI: Tell me something do you like to be called names or to be known as a stupid person? Is that the kind of identity you are looking for? Well, if you aren’t then know that this is exactly where you are heading to. Being called as a stupid person with absolutely no brains.
Media had been reporting something TOTALLY OPPOSITE to what the reality was. I wasn’t :P
She can delete my comments as long as they are outside the boundaries and yes I DID step outside “after” she deleted my comments which were NOT. Get it? No?… Dude, u r way too dumb to get it anyway soo… just panic away :D
Are any of the govt controlled channels in pakistan showing footage of how the coward musharraf used his police to attack imran khans sisters and drag them on the streets?
Or is musharraf still supressing the truth of his brutality and his dictator ship for you all?
@Reality_Check
“I found Geo programming and the way they were reporting / various promos they were showing, enterring the realm of pure incitement (which is not their job), but I still waited for AAJ KAMRAN KEY SAATH to get a daily dose of sane logic. I dont know how it is like in the Print Media? What are they saying? ”
@Reality_Check also claimed:
“In present day and age sat. media is very powerful at the same time very dangerous, sometimes its the biggest threat to free thinking, thats why I still rely on two or three newspapers to form my opinions, rather get my daily dose from a conspiracy theorists promoting their agenda’s and selling their merchandise.”
@Nasir Jamal
“Pakistani media misused the independence which was surprisingly given to them not by a democrat but by a military dictator.”
Words of wisdom by Noam Chomsky
For Musharaf supporters who are indebted to him for “the free media”
‘The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum – even encourage the more critical and dissident views. That gives people the sense that there’s free thinking going on, while all the time the presuppositions of the system are being reinforced by the limits put on the range of the debate.”
Yes Saima, we all see what brain you are gifted it. Yes, we see it, no need to show it in such a stupid way :D
I would like 2 say only this.In PAKISTAN only 1 law is valid. Which is mentioned below in punjabi JIS KI LATHI US KI BHANCE
That’s not punjabi, that’s urdu
Thankyou so much President for closing down the MASALAYDAR channel, you see too much masala ain’t good for us.
Whoever does not like Geo should open their own channel…but who is going to watch it?
DEATH TO DICTATORSHIP
DEATH TO OPRESSION
LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY
LONG LIVE FREEDOM OF MEDIA AND PRESS
LONG LIVE GEO.
@ZEE
“Yes Saima, we all see what brain you are gifted it. Yes, we see it, no need to show it in such a stupid way :D”
gifted ‘with’…..actually same as yours….I just use it differently……
Ban me from KMB for the peace of the forum and the safety of innocent souls….in the tardition of your favourite dictator….:D
@AWAIS
DEATH TO GEO’S BIASED NEWS CHANNEL
COURT SHOULD CHARGE GEO NEWS FOR CREATING PANIC IN PAKISTAN FOR THE FEW LAST YEARS
MUSHARRAF SHOULD ALSO BAN GEO NETWORKS OTHER CHANNELS FOR POISIONING OUR CULTURE WITH INDIAN S**T
long live Pakistan
SAIMA so what you are trying to say that free media was a drama and a means to pacify the people. If that’s the case then you should be glad that its over, and now people will be more inclined to bring about change as I interpret the quote from the great Chomsky.
@Saima:
Well said.
Good to see someone here on this forum who has read enough to appreciate the value of free media and the havoc and destruction let loose by musharraf the despot.
Sad thing is, most folks here have no idea about chomsky and have never heard of “manufacturing consent” and have switched off their brains in deference to the “all wise and all knowing” leaders they have chosen to believe in. But good to see you sharing your insight. Keep it up!!
KADS I am very well aware of ultra leftist Chomsky, he has been an outcast of the “free western media”, and has been crying out loud about the way media is being exploited world wide (particularly in the west) to influence peoples perceptions and knowledge about issues. Remember the movie “Wag the Dog”. Its all about not showing the complete picture. In our situation, in the light of Chomsky’s quote by Saima, both sides can present the same argument.
Also, nobody here is advocating blind following of “all knowing Leaders” but some of us do advocate distinction between Struggle and Hara-Kerri. In my opinion the office of the President, The Supreme Court, The Bar Councils and the Media all have ventured beyond their respective spheres, resulting in friction and grinding of gears. Now we have two options either the engine will over heat and explode. Else grinded gears fall back into place and with and work uneasily for a while until the nation is ready and can afford an overhaul. Right now I cannot live without a vehicle that I have, because nobody is providing me with a backup.
Reality Check: What you are saying is TOO heavy for the poor mindless folks we have here. People like Adnan, SAIMA, Kads, Doctor (and the list goes on), they lack brains and totally rely on the crappy media that we have here. All they want to believe and know is what is being shown and taught to them. I believe these people think of using their small brains as a waste of energy. Really, they are mostly hopeless!
I think someone should tell Mir Ibrahim Rahman that their so-called “entertainment” channels were also HEAVILY involved in the political soap opra that they were running for so long and I believe GEO TV also used to air NEWS. If it were purely an entertainment media, why run news on it when you ALREADY have a channel dedicated to broadcast news!? Makes no sense to me. Also, they kept running political crap on AAG and even GEO SUPER. This had gone way to far and had to be stopped. I am so astounded to see the number of people who have supported the ban on GEO! Truely outstanding!
@Reality-Check
Your said:
“In my opinion the office of the President, The Supreme Court, The Bar Councils and the Media all have ventured beyond their respective spheres, resulting in friction and grinding of gears.”
The above isnt exactly true. The fact is that mush imposed emergency and sacked the courts to prolong his own rule. As soon as his hand picked new judges rule in musharraf’s favor, the emergency will be gone and all will be back to normal. This is the true reality. And in oder to hide this fact and his brutality of suppression, he has curtailed the media too. Once his kursi is secure, all will be back to business as usual. The thing with lies is they dont last. And mushrraf has overplayed his hand. Hence the pile of poo he finds himself in. Which is where he now belongs in my eyes.
@Zee
If you had half a brain, you’d be able to see through the BS that mush and altafa are trying to feed you. Here is a test for you. Name one thing you have thought up on your own and that hasnt been put in your pea-sized brain by the “all wise” leaders?? Hahhahahahaha….nothing comes to mind??? Now thats why i said you need half a brain even before you open your mouth :)
@ZEE
@REALITY_CHECK
ROCK ON GUYS!
Freedom of media is important but unfortunately most of the Pakistanis aren’t that educated to judge what’s wrong and what’s right. We PAKISTANIS don’t have a filtration system in our minds that can filter the negatives from the information, we simply accept whatever we get, just like drinking tap water.
GEO was only creating chaos in the country, they were good in making small stories bigger making it controversial. GEO have acted as ‘FOX NEWS’ of Pakistan. Just look at the effect of FOX news on it’s viewers, almost all of it’s American viewers see Muslims with hatred and take us as terrorists.
All our lives we have been told ‘Pakistan ka kuch ni hona hai’, GEO was making it a reality.
With that said, I will miss Mr. Shahid Masood, I respect him for raising several issues against the Army rule that were really important for Pakistanis to know.
Anyways, ROCK ON PAKISTAN!
Imran Khan on a Hunger strike …demanding a fair trial!
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me! not beg for the stilling of my pain, but the heart to conquer it…
RABINDRANATH TAGORE
@Saima
Nice poem. And the following classic from Faiz is quite apt for the day too.
Hum Dekhain Gay
Jab Zulm-o-Sitam ke Koh-e-garaan
Ruii ki Tarah Urd Jain Gay
Hum Mehkumoon ke Paun Talay
Yeh Dharti Dhard Dhard Dhardkay gi
Aur Ehl-e-Hukum ke Sar Uper
Jab Bijli kard Kard Kardke gi
Hum Dekhain Gay
Jab Arz-e-Khuda ke kabay se
Sab but Uthwaaiy Jain gay
Hum Ehl-e-Safa Mardood-e-Haram
Masnad pe Bithaaiy jain gay
Sab Taaj Uchalay jain gay
Sab Takht Giraaiy Jain gay
Hum Dekhain Gay
We shall see that day indeed. And so will mush the despot who believe in ruling by force and crushing his opponents AND their families.
@RockOnKarachi
“We PAKISTANIS don’t have a filtration system in our minds that can filter the negatives from the information, we simply accept whatever we get, just like drinking tap water.”
Why do think “We PAKISTANIS” are like this?……were people born like this?…. is there a genetic disorder among the population?…..any ideas?
It is the years of suppression and crushing of self-esteem which makes people say these derogatory about themselves…..people are programmed to beleve in their ineffectiveness and helplessness. Every state institution is working to make you feel leess valuable …from teachers to policemen, to public servants……(Imran Khan being made into a latest example of what happens to defiants)
The “ultra leftist, an outcast of Free western media” Noam chomsky also said:
“Anyone who has had any dealings with children knows that they’re curious and creative. They want to explore things and figure out what’s happening. A good bit of schooling is an effort to drive this out of them and to fit them into a mold, make them behave, stop thinking, not cause any trouble. It goes right from kindergarten up … People are supposed to be obedient producers, do what they’re told, and the rest of your life is supposed to be passive consuming. Don’t think about things. Don’t know about things … Just do what you’re told, pay attention to something else and maximize your consumption. That’s the role of the public.”
Stop belittling yourself and your countrymen….do it to their oppressors
OoPs! sorry for all the typos!Hope its legible
* Why do think “We PAKISTANIS” are like this?……were people born like this?…. is there a genetic disorder among the population?…..any ideas?
****** Yes, to some extent. Centuries of inbreeding, marriages within the same family, within the baradari, within the tribe, and rampant cousin marriages do, I believe, lead to a genetic disorder. Excessive amount of lead in the water on top of that does not help either!
@BALMA
This is amusing.
So what you are saying Balma is that YOU (assuming you are a pakistani) yourself have a genetic defect as all of the above must have happened in you family too?
Do you think this type of self-loathing and self-hatred you are demonstrating may have been fed into your brain and not a result of the genes you have inherited??? Have some mercy on your forefather will you?
Having said that, i must say that the toxins in food theory does have some weight. They can and do turn people mad.
Kads,
Why don’t you talk to someone who knows genetics and molecular biology?
BALMA:
You are correct in that the continuous and successive marriages amongst cousins do lead to genetic problems. However, that happens only if the children of cousins marry their own cousins and so on.
In most pakistani households, there is a break in this link with marriages outside the family. It would be wrong to believe everyone only marries close cousins for generations and generations. If that were the case, there would be no one left in pak! :)
Your other point about toxins in food is credible though. I agree with that fully.
Haaaiiiii’nnnn, someone sort of agrees with my anti-cousin marriage tirades? Strange, very strange!
Mr. Faisal you are totally wrong in criticising Hamid Mir. Jasmeen Manzoor and Mujahid Barelvi have never been positive and are always supportive of general musharraf and his cronies.
Mansoor, keep up the good work. I am not sure how you are connecting or how good your internet connection is. Do you feel it is threatened?
I want to say you are providing a much needed service in a great time of need for your country. I know many Americans are disgusted at our administration’s propping up such leaders and talking out both sides of our mouth about democracy/security. You are an important part of the real democracratic process in this situation where information is being silenced. I write for Metroblogging in New Orleans. I am thinking of you today in your struggle for real and honest elactions.
Bush was elected under deceitful and suspect circumstances here. We pray for your citizens that they may prevail in their courage for legitimate representative government. The world will be watching what the new administration brings in regards to foreign policy based on truths.
What are you/your reader’s feelings of the U.S. threat, real or not on the ground, of pulling out our monetary supplements to Pakistan due to Mush’s state of emergency and machinations? Are there real effects? Do these hurt Citizens more than the the powers they are intended to affect?
Again, thank you for your reports. Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.
-L.