| Geo/Jang Group sends legal notice to Imran Khan |
| August 25, 2014 |
LAHORE: Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Sunday said he loved the media, as a powerful and independent media was vital for democracy in the country.
The notice seeks apology from Imran Khan for embarking on an offensive campaign and hurling unfounded allegations against Geo/Jang Group. It claims Rs500 million in damages for defaming the Group. Read
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| Geo to appear on its original numbers soon: minister |
| July
14, 2014 |
LAHORE: Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Sunday said he loved the media, as a powerful and independent media was vital for democracy in the country.
Talking to the media after a function at the National College of Arts (NCA) here, the minister said Geo News was awarded punishment by Pemra for a mistake; it faced the punishment and paid the fine. Now the matter should come to an end and we should move forward, the minister added. Read
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| Geo should be run
on its April 19 position, orders LHC |
| July
11, 2014 |
Justice
Ijazul Ahsan says cable operators
can’t block Geo after SC verdict;
observes all individuals, institutions
bound to abide by apex court orders;
court to intervene if needed; will
look into terms and conditions of
cable licences; operators can’t
shut down any channel
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court
remarked on Thursday that cable operators
had no authority whatsoever to block
any channel. Geo News was shut down
in extraordinary circumstances, but
the Supreme Court has ordered its
restoration and the cable operators
will have to follow the order of the
top court... Read
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| Cable operators do
not have authority to shut channels:
SHC |
| July
09, 2014 |
KARACHI:
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday
observed that cable operators did
not have the authority to shut channels
on their own directives.
The SHC has hearing eight petitions
related to the closure of Geo News
by cable operators. The case was heard
by a two member SHC bench comprising
Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice
Shafiq Siddiqui. Justice Muneeb Akhtar
remarked that under Article 19 freedom
of press could not be ignored. He
added that it was the right of every
Pakistani to have access to information
and this was an issue of human rights
not just the closure of a channel.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar asked the lawyer
for cable operators how could PEMRA
ordinance or any laws violate the
fundamental rights of citizens.
The SHC observed that freedom of
expression and press would not be
violated under the constitution. Justice
Muneeb Akhtar asked what had been
done by PEMRA for the restoration
of Geo News which was the most popular
channel in the country.
The lawyer for PEMRA informed the
court that the regulatory authority
had taken action and issued show cause
notices to cable operators.
Meanwhile the lawyer for Geo, Jam
Asif informed the court that the SHC
and Supreme Court had issued verdicts
against the closure of Geo News.
The court has issued notices to Attorney
General Pakistan and other parties
for August 6 and directed PEMRA to
submit its written comments. The order
further states that PEMRA should ensure
that cable operators do not restrict
freedom of expression.
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| Cable operators offer
lame excuse of security threat |
| July
09, 2014 |
Suspension
and shuffling of Geo on cable...Several
channels had shown Qawwali many times
before Geo and over 60 times afterwards
to increase their ratings; even genuine
security threat cannot justify cable
operators’ illegal act of not
showing Geo; Balochistan High Court
chief justice had said if security
threat is accepted as a valid excuse
to break the law, then there will
be anarchy all over the country; judges,
lawyers, police, media and others
also face security threats but act
within the legal framework; one media
group that owns a TV channel has also
concluded a business deal with cable
operators; govt and Pemra know this
fact but fail to take corrective measures;
if court forms a commission, many
secrets can come to the fore; why
did Geo suspension, shuffling on the
cable start after complaint in Pemra
following attack on Hamid Mir?...Read
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| Geo restored in some
cities, others still waiting |
| July
09, 2014 |
LAHORE:
In various cities of the country,
cable operators have restored the
Geo TV transmission though people
have complained about shifting of
different Geo channels to later numbers.
Complaints about illegal suspension
of Geo News transmission are also
pouring in from various parts of the
country.
In Khanqah Dogran, where people launched
a severe protest against the suspension
of Geo News transmission from time
to time, the cable operators have
restored it. However, people complained
that Geo News has been put at 33 number
on cable instead of its real position
on 14.
Expressing their pleasure at the Geo
News restoration, they demanded the
cable operators to place their favourite
channel at number 14 again. Punjab
Parliamentary Secretary for Information
and Culture Rana Muhammad Arshad regretted
that Geo News transmission was suspended
for 17 days and Geo Tez for 40 days
in Shahkot. He called upon the cable
operators to restore the Geo channels
immediately. He said the Geo channels
are the most favourite channels of
the people and the Geo TV network
played an unforgettable role in the
restoration of democracy and movement
for an independent judiciary in the
country.
In Gojra, people have expressed their
pleasure at the restoration of Geo
News on its real position at cable
network. However, in various cities,
including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar,
and Hyderabad and other parts of the
country, Geo is still not being shown
by the cable operators, and even if
restored, its position has been moved
to the last numbers on the cable.
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| Case against five channels for repeated telecast of blasphemous content |
| July 05,
2014 |
NANKANA SAHIB: On the orders of Additional and Sessions Judge Nankana Mian Muhammad Sharif, the City Police Station has registered a case against five private TV channels, including ARY, for airing blasphemous material against the Ahle Bait (the family of Holy Prophet PBUH).
Rana Abdul Sattar, advocate, had filed a writ petition that ARY, Ab Tak TV, Express News, Sama TV and Dunya News telecast the blasphemous material again and again, which hurt the religious sentiments of the petitioner and thousands of other Muslims.
The petitioner was represented in the court by Chaudhry Ata Jilani, Nadeem Akram Bhatti, Muhammad Tayyib Chaudhry, Sheikh Amir Feroze, led by Muhammad Siddique Advocate, who extended their arguments. Talking to the media, Rana Abdul Sattar and Siddique Dogar Advocate said registration of the FIR was a victory of truth. |
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| Cable operators blocking Geo channels to lose licences, says Pervaiz |
| July 04,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, on Thursday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to ensure smooth transmission of Geo and another private TV channels on cable networks.
The minister asserted that the government would not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands. He said the government believed in the freedom of expression and would facilitate the media, so that it could perform its duties in accordance with the professional ethos.
Pervaiz Rashid said this while talking to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, who called on him. Pemra’s acting Chairman Pervaiz Rathore was also present on the occasion.
The minister asked Afzal Butt to end their ongoing protests in various parts of Pakistan, keeping in view sanctity of the Holy Month of Ramzan and the military operation in North Waziristan against terrorists.
Pervaiz Rathore assured the minister that their (cable operators) licences would be cancelled if they continued their activities against the law of the land.
Rashid was also told that new licences would be issued in case of non-compliance of Pemra rules by the cable operators and bidding for DHT service would be started soon so that people could watch channels of their own choice without any interference or hurdle. |
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| SHC asks PEMRA, operators ‘why Geo News not restored’ |
| July 03,
2014 |
KARACHI: Sindh High Court has ordered PEMRA and eight cable operators to submit replies on July 9 as to why Geo News had not been opened and restored on its original numbers despite the Supreme Court’s orders.
Geo News has in its petitions adopted the stance that despite clear orders from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) eight cable operators have continued to keep Geo News illegally blocked.
The SHC judge Justice Munib Akhtar presided over the proceeding into Geo’s petitions.
Jam Asif and Behzad Haider appeared before the court on behalf of Geo News.
The court ordered the eight cable operators to submit their reply by July 9. They included Skyline, Muhammad Hussain of Tracks Entertainment, acting CEO Kazim of Media Plus, Imran Haider Abidi of Home Vision One Communication, Ghufran Mujtaba of City Communication, Mehmood Ahmed of City Cable and, Chairman and CEO of World Telecom. |
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| Altaf asks cable operators to open Geo News |
| July 03,
2014 |
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain Thursday urged cable operators to open Geo News and other channels at the earliest as their punishment period is over.
Speaking to journalists via telephone at Karachi Press Club, Altaf Hussain said although the channels had served their punishments their transmission is still being blocked in many parts of the country.
Altaf said cable operators should not block channels due to pressure from any quarter and asked them to open Geo News forthwith.
“Closure of Geo News has not only affected its employees but also their families”, said MQM chief.
Altaf also lauded the sacrifices of media persons, saying that journalists rendered great sacrifices for the rights of masses. He added that they also faced jails for freedom of journalism, democracy and restoration of constitution.
The MQM chief further said that journalists were also playing their role towards dispensation of justice in the country. |
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| The practice of banning channels will leave us nowhere: SCBA President |
| June 11,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Bar Association President Kamran Murtaza has asked the institutions concerned to accept Geo’s apology by showing generosity.
Speaking to Geo News on Wednesday, he said that the TV channel had rendered apology and it would be harmful for the institutions if they didn’t accept it. |
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| Court summons channel owner Salman, anchor Lucman for defaming Geo, Jang |
| June 11,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad Court has issued a written order that a probe by the inquiry officer and evidence prima-facie establish that proceedings in a criminal case against one Salman Iqbal of ARY, Akeel Karim Dhedhi and four others be continued and has summoned them all on June 19.
In a criminal complaint filed by Independent Media Corporation against Salman Iqbal and five others including anchor Mubashir Lucman through its counsel Amir Abdullah Abbasi, the Additional District and Session Judge Islamabad (West) passed the following order;
“Perusal of inquiry reports reveals that according to the learned inquiry officer, prima facie the case is made out against the respondents. I have perused the statements recorded by the learned inquiry officer and the material annexed with the complaint. On the basis of inquiry report, statements recorded by the learned inquiry officer and the material annexed with the present complaint, I have come to the conclusion that there is sufficient material on the record to warrant further proceedings in the present complaint. Therefore the respondents be summoned for 19.06.2014.”
Respondents in the case include Salman Iqbal, Akeel Karim Dhedhi, Mubashir Lucman, Arshad Bhatti and Sabir Shakir. The respondents were alleged to have defamed and made serious allegations against senior journalists, Pakistan’s biggest and most popular media group Geo and Jang and its top management. The court had assigned the case to an inquiry officer who submitted his findings in the court. It was prayed that accused be proceeded against under sections 500 and 501 of PPC. |
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| Why Jang Group’s other channels are off air, asks President SAFMA |
| June 10,
2014 |
KARACHI: President South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), Imtiaz Alam Tuesday asked that PEMRA had only suspended Geo News then why is it that Jang Group’s other channels continue to remain off the air.
“Attack on a section of media is tantamount to an assault on the entire freedom of expression,” Imtiaz Alam observed while addressing a seminar at Karachi Arts Council.
He said what channels of other media groups have done on the issue of Geo had actually muzzled the freedom of expression. “The media infighting has put the lives of hundreds of journalists in danger,” he noted.
President SAFMA further said no drums of celebration should beat on the blackout of Geo’s channels.
“PEMRA had taken a decision only against Geo News, then why the group’s other channels have continued to remain shut?” he asked. |
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| Democratic government shuts down Pakistan's no. 1 channel |
| June 06,
2014 |
KARACHI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has ordered GEO News to shut down for 15 days. This goes against the sentiments of the civil society, parliamentarians, political parties as well as all journalistic associations including APNS, CPNE and PFUJ besides international human rights and freedom of speech advocacy groups like Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Freedom Network and Pakistan Human Rights Commission, among scores of others. PEMRA sent a formal letter on Friday, June 6, 2014, ordering GEO News to immediately shut down its transmission as well as pay a Rs10 million fine. |
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| Journalists to protest if curbs on channels, newspapers not lifted |
| June 28,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Friday announced that if the ‘no-go areas’ artificially formed to block the transmission of Geo and ARY News and circulation of leading newspapers Jang and The News are not eliminated within 24 hours, then it would set up protest camps in front of press clubs across the country.
Addressing a protest rally in front of the National Press Club (NPC), PFUJ President Afzal Butt said they would continue to protest till the transmissions of both Geo and ARY News were restored all over the country.
“We want to give a clear message to the government, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and defence institutions that we have achieved freedom of press after a long and hard struggle and if anyone tries to deprive us of it, then we will launch a strong protest movement in the country,” he said.
He said Pemra suspends licences of news channels in such a hurry it seems it is issuing orders to close down a general store. “Pemra should mend its ways because journalists will not make any compromise over the freedom of press.”
PFUJ Secretary General Khursheed Abbasi said Geo News had completed the sentence period but it was still being blocked in various areas and there were clearly ‘no-go areas’ for this channel and the relevant authorities were acting like silent spectators.
“We will launch such a strong protest movement that those trying to curb the freedom of press will find no way except to bow down before the demands of journalists,” he said. The chairman All Pakistan Council of Press Clubs, Arshad Ansari, said they condemned the efforts being made to block the circulation of Jang and The News and the relevant government institutions should play their due role in line with the rules and procedures.
RIBJA President Amir Butt said there was a conspiracy to divide the media with an aim to mute those voices that raise the issues of marginalised people and insist for the rule of law in the country.
Later, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Khursheed Abbasi, NPC Secretary General Tariq Chaudhry, RIUJ Secretary General Bilal Dar and senior journalist Qurban Satti presented a memorandum to officials of the Egyptian Embassy against the imprisonment of three journalists in Egypt. |
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| Akhbar Farosh Union ends Jang Group’s boycott |
| June 28,
2014 |
LAHORE: The Akhbar Farosh Union, Lahore, has announced to end the boycott of Jang Group newspapers in Lahore, according to a press release issued by the union. The announcement came asa result of a meeting between the Jang Group’s Sarmad Ali and the president of the Akhbar Farosh Union, Lahore, Ch Nazir. The meeting was held in a cordial and positive environment. |
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| Geo News resumption: Cable operators continue to defy PEMRA, SC orders |
| June 21, 2014 - 1545 PKT |
KARACHI: Cable operators continued to defy the orders of Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) and Supreme Court pertaining to the restoration of Geo Network channels across Pakistan.
The channel’s transmission had earlier been suspended on June 6, 2014 on the complaint filed by the Ministry of Defence. A fine of Rs10 million had also been imposed on the channel.
A notification (dated June 20, 2014) issued by PEMRA states that Geo News is allowed to resume transmission at 12am on June 21, 2014, however, cable operators have claimed that they have not received any such notification and continued to defy PEMRA and Supreme Court orders.
The notification directs all the regional offices to direct distribution networks in their respective regions to begin relaying Geo News at the above mentioned time and date.
A special reference has also been made to the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The order states:
2. The grievance of the applicant, as raised by its senior counsel, was that the PEMRA was not abiding by the report of Mediator and the subsequent orders passed by this Court on it. Raja Muhammad Ibrahim Satti, learned Sr. ASC for PEMRA was present in the Court as a Caveator along with Mr. Zahid Malik, Head of Legal Department, PEMRA, and on instructions from Mr. Zahid Malik, Raja Muhammad Ibrahim Satti, learned Sr. ASC stated that the PEMRA shall abide by the terms of order dated 13.08.2012 passed in Constitution Petition No.51 of 2010, by which the report of Mr. Javed Jabbar, the Mediator, was made part of the said order and that the PEMRA will ensure that there is no shifting of the channels contrary to or in violation of the order dated 13.08.2012
The PEMRA notification directs all regional general managers to strictly comply with the above quoted orders by directing all distribution networks to restore Geo News to its original position to avoid any contempt of proceedings in the Supreme Court.
ARY News, which was suspended by PEMRA on Saturday, continued to be relayed by cable operators on their networks. |
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| PEMRA orders cable operators to restore Geo News on previous position |
| June 20, 2014 - Updated 230 PKT |
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has ordered the cable operators to restore Geo News on its previous position after midnight.
The media watchdog also directed the cable operators that the channel be restored on its previous position as per the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
PEMRA’s Director Legal Zahid Malik said that Geo Entertainment license has been suspended for airing disputed content in its morning show Utho Jago Pakistan.
The PEMRA also banned the morning show, its host Shaista Lodhi and entire team of the program from conducting show on any other channel.
The PEMRA further said that the Geo license will remain under observation and the channel is directed to strictly follow the watchdog’s laws.
Pemra has forwarded the notification of restoration of Geo News to all its regional offices with strict direction that the country’s cable operators should obey the order of the Supreme Court according to which the position of Geo News on cable TV network should be the same as was in the second week of April, 2014. |
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| Apex court hears Geo petition to combine cases |
| June 18, 2014 - Updated 1440 PKT |
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan heard a petition seeking to combine all cases against Geo on Wednesday.
Counsel for Geo Television Akram Sheikh maintained that there are over 45 FIR’s registered against his clients across the country and they should all be combined.
The three member apex court bench headed by Justice Jawad S. Khawaja instructed the Advocate Generals of all four high courts to submit a detailed reply and has adjourned the hearing till the 25th of June.
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| Jang and Geo not provided proofs of anti-state activities, treason: spokesperson |
| June 12, 2014 - Updated 1545 PKT |
Supreme Court and Prime Minister were requested to appoint commission for investigating serious allegations; Private channel ran tickers Khawaja Asif has seen proofs, defence minister denied this; Ministry of Defence referred application to PEMRA without seeing proofs; PEMRA also issued notice to Geo without investigation; Respect Pakistan Army, ... Read
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| Court summons channel owner Salman, anchor Lucman for defaming Geo, Jang |
| June 11, 2014 - 90 PKT |
ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad Court has issued a written order that a probe by the inquiry officer and evidence prima-facie establish that proceedings in a criminal case against one Salman Iqbal of ARY, Akeel Karim Dhedhi and four others be continued and has summoned them all on June 19.
In a criminal complaint filed by Independent Media Corporation against Salman Iqbal and five others including anchor Mubashir Lucman through its counsel Amir Abdullah Abbasi, the Additional District and Session Judge Islamabad (West) passed the following order;
“Perusal of inquiry reports reveals that according to the learned inquiry officer, prima facie the case is made out against the respondents. I have perused the statements recorded by the learned inquiry officer and the material annexed with the complaint. On the basis of inquiry report, statements recorded by the learned inquiry officer and the material annexed with the present complaint, I have come to the conclusion that there is sufficient material on the record to warrant further proceedings in the present complaint. Therefore the respondents be summoned for 19.06.2014.”
Respondents in the case include Salman Iqbal, Akeel Karim Dhedhi, Mubashir Lucman, Arshad Bhatti and Sabir Shakir. The respondents were alleged to have defamed and made serious allegations against senior journalists, Pakistan’s biggest and most popular media group Geo and Jang and its top management. The court had assigned the case to an inquiry officer who submitted his findings in the court. It was prayed that accused be proceeded against under sections 500 and 501 of PPC. |
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| Anti-judiciary banners: SC seeks progress report till Wednesday |
| June 06, 2014 - 2115 PKT |
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday ordered to arrest the culprits involved in displaying anti-judiciary banners in the red zone and sought a report till Wednesday, Geo News reported... Read
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| Court orders case against channel chief, others |
| June 20, 2014 |
FAISALABAD: The local sessions court has ordered to register a case against the ARY channel’s Chief Executive (CE) Salman Iqbal, the host of a programme Nida Yasir and others, as the programme aired content averse to Islamic teachings... Read
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| Court issues arrest warrants for Salman, Lucman, Dhedhi |
| June 20, 2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad (West), on Thursday issued arrest warrants for the owner of ARY Network Salman Iqbal, anchorperson Mubasher Lucman, Akeel Karim Dhedhi and Naeem Hanif in a criminal case pertaining to defaming Geo/Jang Group... Read
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| Democratic Government Shuts Down Pakistan’s No. 1 Channel |
| June 06, 2014 - 2115 PKT |
KARACHI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has ordered GEO News to shut down for 15 days. This goes against the sentiments of the civil society, parliamentarians, political parties as well as all journalistic associations including APNS, CPNE and PFUJ besides international human rights and freedom of speech advocacy groups like Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Freedom Network and Pakistan Human Rights Commission, among scores of others. PEMRA sent a formal letter on Friday, June 6, 2014, ordering GEO News to immediately shut down its transmission as well as pay a Rs10 million fine... Read
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| Treason charge: Geo/Jang Group serves Rs50 bn notice on govt, ISI, Pemra |
| June 06,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s most popular and most loved media group Geo and Jang Group has served a legal notice on the Ministry of Defence, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) for defaming and maligning the group by accusing it of working on an anti-Pakistan agenda, inciting and fuelling violence against the group, pressuring cable operators to black out Geo channels, the failure of Pemra to get the Supreme Court order to restore Geo channels implemented, and has asked all to publicly apologise within 14 days and pay damages of Rs50 billion... Read
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| Jang group vehicle attacked in Rawalpindi |
| June 06 ,
2014 |
RAWALPINDI: Vehicles of the Jang group continue to be targeted across Pakistan. In the latest attack a vehicle carrying the group’s newspapers was first hijacked and later burnt in Rawalpindi.
The incident took place at 2:00 AM on Murree Road. The attackers hijacked the vehicle and the driver was assaulted. According to the driver Muhammad Razzaq he was delivering newspapers to Islamabad when his vehicle was stopped by four armed men. Razzaq said he was blindfolded and was told he would not be allowed to deliver the papers.
After being assaulted, Razzaq was left on the roadside. The driver reached the Jang building in Rawalpindi and the hijacked vehicle was recovered at 9:00 AM. The attackers had set the vehicle and newspapers on fire. The newspapers were reprinted and sent for delivery.
This is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Jang group newspaper delivery vehicles. On May 25 a vehicle was attacked in Lahore. Attacks have also taken place in Karachi and Rawalpindi. |
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| Immediate restoration of Geo News demanded |
| June 05,
2014 |
Journalists, members of civil society, labour leaders, lawyers, activists of political and religious parties stage protest Read
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| Dispute should end after Geo apology: PPC |
| June 05,
2014 |
CHAKWAL: Pakistan Press Council Chairman Shafqat Mahmood Abbasi has said that apology and regret are the two things that amount to a big punishment and these two things are very significant in an Islamic society and the civilized countries. Read
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| Leader of cable operators speaks of threats to close Geo |
| June 05,
2014 |
LAHORE: Hearing a petition application filed by private cable operators seeking directions for their security against serious threats by police and other officials, the Lahore High Court on Wednesday again sought replies from the Ministry of Information, Pemra and the IG Punjab. Read
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| Jang Group faces shutdown, threats: Reporters Without Borders |
| June 05,
2014 |
PARIS: Reporters Without Borders condemns the appalling climate of intimidation reigning in Pakistan after an attack on Daily Jang Multan Resident Editor Zafar Aaheer on 31 May and several attacks on Jang Group newspaper distribution trucks in the past few days. Read
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| Anti-judiciary programme case to be decided as per law: SC |
| June 05,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled for deciding the case regarding anti-judiciary programme aired by ARY TV in accordance with law instead of getting emotional. Read
More |
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| Another Jang Group vehicle torched in Karachi |
| June 03,
2014 |
KARACHI: A vehicle of the Jang Group of Newspapers was torched by unidentified miscreants in the Aziz Bhatti Police limits in the wee hours of Monday. Read
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| PEMRA bound to implement SC’s order: LHC |
| June 03,
2014 |
LAHORE: Justice Ijazul Hassan of Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered on Tuesday that Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) is a regulatory body and it is its responsibility to implement Supreme Court’s judgment in letter and spirit, Geo News reported. Read
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| No one, including Jang, Geo, will be banned: Pervaiz |
| June 01,
2014 |
Says democracy, media concomitant to each other; expresses solidarity with Geo/Jang Group workers by attending protest; civil society, political parties, journalists reiterate their commitment to freedom of expression; speakers call for unity; say attack on Hamid Mir being used as 9/11 to silence journalism; warn of countrywide protest, sit-ins outside the houses of ‘actor anchors’; criticise Imran Khan for his unfounded allegations Read
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| Hands behind the screen |
| June 01,
2014 |
The London-based human rights watchdog Amnesty International has opened up secrets that everyone already knew: the military and the ISI have launched an unprecedented wave of intimidation on the Jang Group and its employees.AI has said that the military is playing a key role behind the closure of 80 percent of Geo/Jang-run TV channels and print editions. Read
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| Another van of The News set on fire |
| May 31,
2014 |
Thousands of newspaper copies burnt in Rawalpindi attack by armed men; vindictive acts against Jang Group continue.... Read
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| Jang Group being silenced apparently on military orders, says Amnesty |
| May 31,
2014 |
Says Jang Group’s 80 pc distribution in print and on airwaves disrupted; attempts to shut Geo politically motivated; no justification for harassment campaign against Jang Group staff; Group’s several journalists complain of receiving threats; ISI regularly accused by journalists of harassment; a public prosecutor with authority to also probe military, agencies needed; Amnesty, nine other HR bodies write to PM... Read
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| Invisible govt least cares about court orders: Hamid Mir |
| May 31,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Senior anchorperson of Geo Hamid Mir on Friday said that verdicts and orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan are nothing for the invisible forces that are governing the country. Read
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| You want Geo on its knees, once, twice, three times: Asma |
| May 30,
2014 |
LAHORE: Human rights activist and former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association Asma Jahangir has said she supports freedom of expression and the independence of the media, and punishing any TV channel is not an act of any pillar of the state but of dictators.... Read
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| Worst-ever confrontation with judiciary by cable operators, hidden backers |
| May 30,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: After the complete and shocking failure of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to get the transmission of Geo News restored despite the clear and strict judgment of the Supreme Court and inaction of the authority against the cable operators, Geo has written a letter directly to all the cable operators, pressing them not to ridicule the orders of the Supreme Court... Read
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| Still blocked Geo to sue Pemra
for contempt of court |
| May 29,
2014 |
IISLAMABAD:
Geo television has decided to knock on the doors
of the Supreme Court again by moving a contempt
of court petition against the Pakistan Electronic
Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) after the apex
court’s orders to restore the Geo transmission
were completely ignored and the government’s
‘instructions’ on this count simply
put into dustbin by the Pemra. As a result, Geo
is still blacked out across the country...
Read
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| Geo moves Pemra to hear its case
on merit |
| May 28,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD:
Geo television has moved Pemra, holding that before
proceeding on the complaint of the Ministry of
Defence the authority should take the opinion
of the Council of Complaints (CoC) under the Pemra
law and that Geo should be heard on the merits
of the points raised in the complaint under Section
30(3) of the Pemra Ordinance... Read
More |
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| Geo transmission remains suspended
all over Pakistan |
| May 28,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD:
In blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s
judgment on Monday, the Pakistan Electronic Media
Regulatory Authority (Pemra) remained completely
unmoved due to mysterious reasons and failed to
get the Geo News and other channels restored despite
the fact that the apex court had declared that
criminal proceedings would be initiated against
those creating hurdles in restoration of transmission
of the channels, writes Ahmad Noorani...
Read
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| What does the SC judgment mean? |
| May 27,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday refreshed/reenacted its August 13, 2012 judgment with the consent of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) under which no cable operator can block, obstruct, ‘disturb in any manner’ or change/reshuffle the number of a national channel on a cable network while Pemra has been made bound to act against cable operators involved in any such violation... Read More
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| Cable operators cannot block channels without PEMRA suspending, cancelling licence: SC |
| May 27,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday disposed of the petition filed by the Independent Media Corporation (IMC) on behalf of Geo network against negative propaganda by other channels and for resumption of its transmission on cable networks.
During proceedings Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) officials assured the apex court that the 2012 decision would be implemented.
Under the 2012 decision, cable operators cannot block channels without their licence being cancelled or suspended by PEMRA.
PEMRA officials informed the apex court that action would be taken against those who removed channels .
In its order the Supreme Court stated that the hearing of the case pertaining to objectionable banners against the judiciary will be held on May 28 and a report has been summoned from DG IB. |
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| Pemra to act against shutting Geo, changing its number on cable, SC told |
| May 27,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Monday assured the Supreme Court (SC) that strict action would be taken against the cable operators for suspending the transmission and changing the position of Geo television channels on the cable network. ...Read More |
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| Attempts afoot to put media on leash: Hamid Mir |
| May 23,
2014 |
PESHAWAR: Senior journalist Hamid Mir, who is recovering from multiple bullet wounds after surviving an assassination bid, made a categorical pledge on Monday that there would be no compromise on freedom of press.
Mir was speaking via telephone at a progamme organized as part of ‘Hamid Mir Week’ jointly by Khyber Union of Jouranalists and Peshawar Press Club... Read More |
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| ARY issued show cause notice by PEMRA |
| May 23,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show cause notice to ARY for airing a programme against the judiciary.
According to PEMRA officials an explanation over the programme has been summoned on an immediate basis. PEMRA has directed that programmes with objectionable content and those against the judiciary should not be broadcast. A notice has also been issue to ‘Ab Tak’ news channel for airing a controversial programme.
Earlier, PEMRA declared the re-positioning of Geo TV channels illegal.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court took strong exception to a news channel and PEMRA over a programme aired against the judiciary.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja that it must be kept in mind by all that the judges of the higher judiciary would never allow anyone to undermine the dignity of the apex court. |
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| PEMRA declares re-positioning of Geo channels illegal |
| May 23,
2014 |
| ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has declared the re-positioning of Geo TV channels illegal and has summoned the administration of ARY News, Express News and Dunya News over the audiences’ complain for broadcasting the objectionable content repeatedly, Geo News reported on Friday... Read More |
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PTI got most election coverage
from Geo:
EU report |
| May 22,
2014 |
| ISLAMABAD: Imran
Khan, realising he has no evidence against Geo’s
involvement in election rigging has now come up
with a graph from European Union’s Election
Observation Mission report. This document totally
refutes the totally erroneous claims of Mr. Khan
and states that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) got
the most coverage from Geo, the channel he accuses
of being biased against him. Read More |
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| JAVED JABBAR SAYS PRIVATE MEMBERS
OF PEMRA STAGED ‘TAMASHA’ |
| May 21,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Former information minister Javed Jabbar criticized private members of the Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (PEMRA) for what he said staging a ‘tamasha’ (commotion).
He said that the private members of the watchdog had openly violated PEMRA ordinance and the government could sack them for the illegal act.
He said that vital decisions could not be taken if the quorum is not complete.
Jabbar said that as to why the PEMRA failed to notice propaganda being carried out against Geo by other channels. He asked whether it was right to disrupt broadcast through exerting pressure on cable operators
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| DECISION TO REVEAL KASAB’S
IDENTITY WAS MADE AFTER CONSULTATIONS: DURRANI |
PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 21,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: In an interview published in Dawn on May 21, 2011, Major General (retd) Mahmud Ali Durani a former national security adviser to the prime minister disclosed that the decision to reveal the identity of Ajmal Kasab was taken after consultations with all important officials including the then ISI chief Lt-General Ahmed Shuja Pasha.
The Dawn quotes Durrani as saying that he "did not issue the statement on his (Pasha’s) directive. However, I did consult him and there was an understanding between the two of us that the identity of Kasab should be revealed as most people were already aware of it."
Durrani added that he had consulted all relevant quarters before giving the statement.
In January 2009, Major General (retd) Durrani was removed from his post by Prime Minister Gilani for revealing Ajmal Kasab’s nationality. |
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| PRESIDENT OF GEO IMRAN ASLAM
SPEAKS TO SAIRBEEN ON BBC URDU |
| May 18,
2014 |
Speaking to Sairbeen on BBC Urdu, the president of Geo Television Imran Aslam informs of the 70%
Shutdown of Geo television’s transmission in Pakistan including a number of cantonment areas in different parts of the cities across the country.
Imran Aslam says that either the channels of Geo Television have been shutdown or pushed towards the far end of the channel sequence by the cable operators. This, he opines, may be as a result of some form of external pressure on the cable operators that must have led them to close down the channels of the biggest media house in the country.
In the interview, Geo’s president sheds light on how this whole scenario for Geo seems to be a deliberate and orchestrated one merely to rundown the biggest media organization in Pakistan and tarnish its position. He also speaks of how the lives and livelihood of Geo’s employees have been at stake due to the impending situation. |
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| MEDIA CAN NOT RIG
ELECTIONS: FAFEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 12,
2014 |
KARACHI: Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) Executive Director, Mudassir Rizvi terming Imran Khan’s allegations against Geo news as “childish.”
Responding to allegations leveled by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, Mudassir Naqvi said that no media organization can rig elections.
Imran Khan had expressed confidence over FAFEN in his press conference held on May 3. He had said that FAFEN is an independent institution. |
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| GOVT, ISI, POLITICAL
PARTIES BACKED ‘AMAN KI ASHA’: JANG
GROUP MD | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 12,
2014 |
KARACHI: Replying to the allegations leveled by Imran Khan, Jang Group Managing Director (MD) Shahrukh Hassan has said that the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) Chairman himself remained in favour of “Aman ki Asha” project.
Hassan said that the government officials were given briefing over the programme while Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) former chief Lt. General (retd) Ahmed Shuja Pasha, civil society and political parties also supported the Jang group’s initiative.
The Jang Group’s MD further said that leaders of PTI Asad Umar and Shafqat Mehmood are part of the Aman ki Asha committee.
Terming the allegations leveled by Imran Khan as “baseless”, Shahrukh Hassan said that Imran has made personal attacks at D-Chowk today and so they would move Supreme Court against the PTI chief.
The Jang Group MD said that industrialists and traders also backed Aman ki Asha project and that improved relationship with the India would bring economic growth in the region. |
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| IMRAN KHAN’S
ALLEGATIONS AN INSULT TO PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
: NAQVI | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 12,
2014 |
KARACHI: PTI Chief Imran Khan hurled allegations at Geo News creating the impression that the channels owner was controlling the newsroom via remote-control. Responding Geo News’ controller news Ansar Naqvi rejected the allegations adding that Imran Khan’s allegations have caused insult to professional journalists working in the newsroom.
Naqvi, a veteran journalist explained that any newsroom operates under a set mechanism which is similar in all newsrooms across the board adding that no one, not even the owner can control the newsroom round the clock.
Likening the newsroom to a train where passengers keep changing every 8 hours as the shift changes, Naqvi said, the decision makers change according to shift and news never comes with a warning. When a story breaks the controllers and editors discuss among themselves and when needed the editorial board is consulted, said Ansar Naqvi. |
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| GEOS RESPONSE TO
IMRAN KHANS ALLEGATIONS | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
| KARACHI:
A Jang Group spokesman has given the following response
to the allegations leveled by PTI chief Imran Khan
in a press conference on Friday.Allegation .... Read More |
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| LABOUR DAY RALLY
PASSES RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF GEO NEWS, HAMID MIR
| PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
LAHORE: On the occasion of Labour Day, workers from federal, provincial departments and private organizations adopted a resolution, condemning attack on Hamid Mir and in favor of Geo News.
The labours gathered at Mall Road and raised slogans in favour of their demands. They also chanted slogans against attack on Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir.
Later, the participants passed a unanimous resolution in favor of Geo and Hamid Mir. |
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| KAMRAN KHAN DISMISSES
IMRAN’S POLL RIGGING CHARGES | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
KARACHI: Geo News senior anchorperson Kamran Khan has discarded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan’s accusations of complicity in the alleged rigging of May 11 general elections by Geo News, Jang Group and himself (Kamran Khan).... Read More
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| GEO/JANG APPEALS
TO PM, CJ TO FORM SUPREME COURT COMMISSION | PAKISTAN
– GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
| KARACHI:
Not expecting any justice, fair play or impartiality
from PEMRA, GEO/Jang has appealed to Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif and Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain
Jillani to form an independent... Read More |
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| GOVT NOT CONTEMPLATING
BANNING ANY CHANNEL: MAMNOON | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
KARACHI: President Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain Monday clarified that the government was not contemplating putting a ban on any channel.
“We are opposed to banning any channel,” said the President during his meeting with senior politician Mairaj Muhammad Khalid at the latter’s residence.
On the occasion, he prayed for the health of wounded Geo News anchor Hamid Mir and termed the emergence of differences among media houses as regrettable.
Both the dignitaries had an exchange of views on a variety of issues. |
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| GONE ARE THE DAYS
WHEN MEDIA WAS SNUBBED: PERVAIZ RASHID | PAKISTAN
– GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister, Senator Pervaiz Rashid has said that politics and journalism have entered into an era where there is rule of law, Geo News reported Saturday.
Addressing a ceremony of Photo Journalists Association here, the Information Minister said: “Gone are the days when freedom of media was snubbed”.
He said Pakistan is recognized as civilized and democratic state today, adding that the society, state and political parties had transformed themselves after learning lesson from the past.
The minister said it was admirable that the affectees of the current situation were following the law and constitution, and contacted Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). He welcomed the submission of plea as per the constitution. |
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| IHC AND LHC DISMISS
PETITIONS AGAINST GEO NEWS | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
| ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Lahore High Court
(LHC) dismissed petitions against Geo News and the
channels senior anchors on Friday. The IHC dismissed
a petiti … Read More |
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| BAN ON GEO NEWS
WILL BE A BIG MISTAKE, SAYS FAZL | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
LONDON: JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that ban on popular channel ‘Geo News’ would be a big mistake.
Talking to Geo News here, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Geo News is popular among the masses and ban on it will be a big mistake.
Commenting on attack on Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir, Maulana Fazl said judicial commission should be trusted in this regard. |
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| CPJ CONCERNED OVER
COMPLAINT SEEKING ACTION AGAINST GEO TV | PAKISTAN
– GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is “greatly concerned” by actions seeking action against Geo Television.
On the complaint of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Defence Ministry on Tuesday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to take action against the Geo TV network for levelling allegations against the ISI.
"We call on the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority not to act on this spurious complaint, and we call on Pakistan's security services to recognize the critical role of the media and exercise tolerance and maturity," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator.
The security institutions is free to rebut allegations in the media but should not try to censor coverage, he said. |
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| POLITICIANS, ANALYSTS
CALL FOR INDEPENDENT PROBE OF ALLEGATIONS AGAINST
GEO NEWS | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
Politicians, senior journalists and analysts have called for an independent and transparent probe into allegations against Geo News.
On the complaint of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Defence Ministry on Tuesday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to take action against the Geo TV network for levelling allegations against the ISI.
The complaint also seeks trial of the channel’s editorial team and management for ‘maligning’ ISI and its DG. |
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| VIEWERS EXPRESS
SOLIDARITY WITH GEO NEWS | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
Viewers of Geo News have expressed solidarity with the channel calling for it to remain open.
People across the country said the demand to shut down Jang and Geo News was tantamount to placing restrictions on freedom of speech. They added that Geo News had always stood for truth and justice and the role of the channel in strengthening democracy and rule of law can never be forgotten.
Viewers further said they would protest if Geo News was shut down. |
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| JANG GROUP RESPECTS
ARMED FORCES IMMENSELY | PAKISTAN – GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
| KARACHI:
The Jang Group issued the following statement on
Sunday: “We are thankful to Allah Almighty
that Hamid Mir, the pride of journalists across
the region, survived a cowardly attack on his …Read More |
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| NO RESPONSE FROM
IMRAN ON IFTIKHARS CHALLENGE | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
| LAHORE:
There has been no response from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) Imran Khan to a debate challenge by Director
Geo News election cell Iftikhar Ahmad over allegations
against the channel... Read More |
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| FAFEN REJECTS IMRAN’S
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GEO NEWS | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
ISLAMABAD: Brushing aside Imran Khan’s allegations against Geo News, Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) Chief Executive Mudassir Rizvi has said that the TV channel was not involved in poll rigging in last year elections.
The FAFEN chief executive said that only an organization having authority could be involved in election rigging. |
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| IMRAN’S ALLEGATIONS
AGAINST GEO ILLOGICAL: SHERPAO | PAKISTAN –
GEO.TV |
| May 09,
2014 |
PESHAWAR: Chairman Qaumi Wattan Party Aftab Ahmed Sherpao has called PTI Chief Imran Khan a politically immature person, Geo News reported.
Talking to Geo News here Sunday, Aftab Sherpao said PTI chairman was raising a hue and cry to hide his failure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said Khan’s rigging allegations after one year against Geo News are devoid of logic.
He said the statement of Imran Khan against Geo reflected lack of political maturity and vision.
Sherpao further said that the PTI Chairman also wanted to sabotage the process of peace dialogue. |
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| Geo Reports-09 Jul 2014-SHC Geo Ban Case |
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| Cable operators not authorized to block Geo:LHC-10 Jul 2014 |
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| PEMRA Takes Notice of Geo Closure -08 Jul 2014
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| Cable operators blocking Geo channels to lose Licences-04 Jul 2014 |
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| Altaf Hussain Asks Cable Operators to Open Geo News |
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| Protest against Geo News Closure in ISB-03 Jul 2014 |
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| Phir Se Geo Song |
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| PEMRA Decision |
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| Geo News Restored-21 June 2014 |
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| Imran Khan's U-Turns on Sheikh Rasheed |
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| Geo/Jang Group More Patriotic:Hamid Mir |
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| Geo TV not on Cable Network |
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| Politicians express solidarity with Geo |
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| Jang’s resident editor attacked in Multan |
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| Geo's Response to Imran's Blackmailing Allegation |
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| Geo/Jang response to allegation of being called a traitor |
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| Jang/Geo under Attack |
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| Diya Jalaye Rakhna Hai-Song |
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| Insaf k Sath Geo or Jeney Do |
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| Zara Sochiye trademark used by another Channel |
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| ANP Leaders Criticise Imran Khan |
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| Geo Still not available on Cable Networks |
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| Imran Khan Bowls No Balls of Allegations |
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Jang/Geo Apologises For Causing Hurt To ISI-
27 May 2014 |
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| Woh Bala Dast Sahi- Promo-25 May 2014 |
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Miscreants burn Jang,The News
Copies-26 May 2014 |
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Imran
Khan's Contradiction and Shireen Mazari's
U-Turn-23 May 2014 |
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People Reject Geo News Closure-23 May 2014 |
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Imran Khan's Contradictory Statements |
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Mr Jeem Karwa Such |
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| Students
Reject ban on Geo-23 May 2014 |
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| Geo
To Aisey- Protest Outside PEMRA Office in Karachi |
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| Journalists
Protest in Karachi Against Geo Shutdown- -22 May 2014 |
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| Kamran
Khan defends Jang Group; offers resignation if allegations proved |
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Don’t
regret being part of Aman ki Asha:
Shafqat Mahmood |
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Media
Commission didn’t allege Jang/Geo
receiving funds: Javed Jabbar |
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| Govt,
ISI, political parties backed ‘Aman ki Asha’: Jang
group MD Shahrukh Hassan |
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FAFEN
Rejects Imran Khan’s
Allegations |
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Senior
Journalists Reject Imran Khan’s
Allegations |
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| Politicians
against ban on Geo |
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| PTI
workers express support for Geo |
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| PTI
evades toll tax |
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| PTI
leader’s official car |
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Jang/Geo
response to Imran Khan’s
allegations |
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| Treason
cases in the history of Pakistan |
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| Najam
Sethi on Imran Khan’s allegations |
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| Kamran
Khan’s reply to Imran Khan’s rigging allegations
|
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| Who
is Zaid Hamid? |
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| Iftikhar
Ahmed challenges PTI chief |
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| Zaid
Hamid propaganda |
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| Imran
Khan’s allegations |
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| Jang/Geo
appeal for justice |
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