Malicious campaign undermining media freedom: HRCP

Lahore, May 19: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced "concern over a malicious campaign seeking to close down a media channel and called for unity among media ranks" demanding that the present situation be deescalated to protect media freedom and reduce risks for journalists.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said: “HRCP can no longer stay silent on the malicious campaign unleashed against Geo and the manner in which pressure is being brought to bear to close down the channel.

Geo Television Network is being targeted by various quarters following a mistake on its morning show Utho Jaago Pakistan (UJP). It is important to mention that following the mistake the host of UJP Dr. Shaista Lodhi begged forgiveness from the Almighty and expressed remorse before her audience. Additionally Geo's management suspended the entire team and launched an inquiry into the incident.

The HRCP statement adds, “Irrespective of what HRCP or anyone else might think about Geo’s editorial judgement, instigating people to come out on the street following charges of blasphemy is an extremely dangerous trend."

Employees working for various branches of Geo Television Network are facing harassment and threats following the malicious campaign which is highlighted by the Human Rights Commission.

“HRCP must point out that the environment of fear that has been created is making the lives of journalists working for Geo extremely vulnerable. They are being intimidated and a large number of them have faced attacks. This trend is likely to escalate if the temperature is allowed to rise and it has the potential to spin out of control."

Calling for unity among the various media networks the HRCP statement adds that, “Divisions among the media ranks do not augur well for the hard-won freedom that the media has. It is regrettable that competitive media houses are adding fuel to the fire, without realizing what they are being complicit in or what a dangerous precedent they are setting and that the same fire can engulf them too. It is in no one’s interest to unleash forces that are neither accountable nor answerable to anyone."

Geo Telvision Network's channels have been taken off-air by cable operators without any legal orders from the competent authority. The HRCP has demanded that the government investigate the matter demanding the government "punish those acting out of bounds."

The HRCP statement “calls upon the government, civil society and media organisations to take all necessary steps to deescalate the situation, and put an end to this malicious campaign and intimidation of journalists so as to protect media freedom from taking any further blows.”