HRCP says banning channels is arbitrary and futile

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The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said on Friday that the recent ban on BBC World and other foreign news channels across Pakistan was an arbitrary and futile action and violation of the citizens’ right to information and freedom of expression.
The HRCP said that the ‘unofficial’ ban on BBC World by cable operators across the country was a matter of grave concern because it was not only an utterly unacceptable denial of access to viewers but also a flagrant violation of the right to information and freedom of expression. “In today’s world such attempts to bar access to information are futile,” said the organisation. It noted that the government had also not acted to prevent this arbitrary blocking of foreign news channels despite the lapse of a number of days.
“If any quarter has any grievance against the broadcasters then other options, such as legal recourse, are available,” said officials. We urge immediate corrective measures by PEMRA and the Ministry of Information to end this ban on these channels and also proceed against those responsible in order to prevent a recurrence.”
Dialogue on reproductive services: The Rahnuma-Family Planning Association of Pakistan with the support of the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) organised a dialogue on “Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Pakistan” on Friday at the Avari Hotel.
The dialogue was addressed by Syed Kamal Shah (CEO Rahnuma-FPAP), Nabila Malick, Amna Akhsheed and Zehra Kamal. The dialogue addressed critical issues of reproductive, sexual health rights and needs of young people which are generally overlooked.
Various interactive sessions were held to enhance understanding and capacity among young people so that the message is not only spread among their peers but that they themselves also engage in meaningful advocacy regarding SRHR.

1 COMMENT

  1. Could that be because Pakistan from 9/11 on has been playing a double cross?

    Maybe the Pakistani ISI didn't know what Osama was up to in regards to the attacks of that day, but they shielded him, and continued to actively train and supply the Taliban with materiel. It is known that they had military advisers embedded with the Taliban whilst engaged in combat action against ISAF.

    If Pakistan didn't have nuclear weapons you would have been invaded by the West.

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