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Pakistan 'censorship' criticised Pakistan 'censorship' criticised
(about 1 hour later)
Journalists in Pakistan have accused the state media watchdog of trying to censor their coverage of general elections due in January.Journalists in Pakistan have accused the state media watchdog of trying to censor their coverage of general elections due in January.
A letter from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Tuesday ordered TV networks to stop live election broadcasts.A letter from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Tuesday ordered TV networks to stop live election broadcasts.
The letter warned of three-year jail terms and heavy fines if they did so.The letter warned of three-year jail terms and heavy fines if they did so.
The letter has been condemned by unions representing journalists, who have accused Pemra of stifling free speech.The letter has been condemned by unions representing journalists, who have accused Pemra of stifling free speech.
'Silence the media''Silence the media'
The Pemra letter was addressed to "all satellite TV channels", and said some were still "airing live coverage and taking live telephone calls from public which contain baseless propaganda against Pakistan and incite people to violence".The Pemra letter was addressed to "all satellite TV channels", and said some were still "airing live coverage and taking live telephone calls from public which contain baseless propaganda against Pakistan and incite people to violence".
"You are hereby directed to stop airing such live programmes, talk shows and contents immediately," it said."You are hereby directed to stop airing such live programmes, talk shows and contents immediately," it said.
Reporters have regularly taken to the streetsReporters have regularly taken to the streets
Correspondents say that the regulations have been imposed under President Musharraf's state of emergency - and although that is due to be lifted at the weekend, media curbs are likely to remain in effect.Correspondents say that the regulations have been imposed under President Musharraf's state of emergency - and although that is due to be lifted at the weekend, media curbs are likely to remain in effect.
The Pemra letter warned that satellite TV stations who violate the law could be forced off the air and face fines of up to 10 million rupees (about $170,000).The Pemra letter warned that satellite TV stations who violate the law could be forced off the air and face fines of up to 10 million rupees (about $170,000).
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) - one of the main bodies that represents reporters - said that the letter was "an attempt to silence the free media".The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) - one of the main bodies that represents reporters - said that the letter was "an attempt to silence the free media".
DefamatoryDefamatory
Correspondents say that the move will increase fears that elections due on 8 January after eight years of military rule will not be free and fair.Correspondents say that the move will increase fears that elections due on 8 January after eight years of military rule will not be free and fair.
They point out that President Musharraf has imprisoned may of his opponents, including senior judges and politicians. He also imposed tough restrictions on the independent media. They point out that President Musharraf has imprisoned many of his opponents, including senior judges and politicians. He also imposed tough restrictions on the independent media.
They have been forbidden from covering live incidents of violence and anything deemed to be defamatory of the president, armed forces and state organs.They have been forbidden from covering live incidents of violence and anything deemed to be defamatory of the president, armed forces and state organs.
Independent networks - which have proliferated during Gen Musharraf's time in office - have also been compelled to sign a code of conduct if they wish to continue broadcasting.Independent networks - which have proliferated during Gen Musharraf's time in office - have also been compelled to sign a code of conduct if they wish to continue broadcasting.
The PFUJ accused the government of wanting to ban independent networks or convert most of them into state-controlled media.The PFUJ accused the government of wanting to ban independent networks or convert most of them into state-controlled media.
It urged media supporters to draw up a joint plan of action "before it's too late".It urged media supporters to draw up a joint plan of action "before it's too late".
Representatives of TV networks are meeting Pemra officials in Karachi on Wednesday to discuss the issue.Representatives of TV networks are meeting Pemra officials in Karachi on Wednesday to discuss the issue.