A new law imposed by Pervez Musharraf restricts press freedom in Pakistan

Posted by Ben Thalman on June 7, 2007 at 9:47 AM

The President General of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, is working with the National Security Council to create an ordinance that would restrict the publication of objectionable cartoons or articles in newspapers and magazines the could defame the armed forces or other state institutions.

This follows the issuing of a similar ordinance against the electronic media, allowing the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PERMA) to seize equipment and close premises if they break the ordinance.

The law imposed on the electronic media has already been used with the blacking out of several cable operators on the weekend for “showing anti-Pakistan propaganda.”

The willingness of government bodies to use this restrictive law against the electronic media could be a troubling preview for what the press can expect in the near future.

The vague nature of the law would give the government broad power to restrict press freedom, which only adds to an already intimidating environment for journalists, including:
- Threats made to three Pakistani journalists, who found bullets placed in their cars last week
- warnings from government officials telling the media that it must "use its press freedom with responsibility" and "avoid inappropriate reporting"
- police raids on the offices of journalists
- attacks on journalists last month in Karachi
- threats of more severe media restrictions in the future

Source: Asia Media and Deccan Herald