CPJ shows concerns over ISI move against Geo TV

NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is greatly concerned over actions brought by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate against Geo Television.

In its complaint to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), the ISI accused Geo’s parent company, the Independent Media Corporation, of conducting a “false and scandalous campaign undermining the integrity and tarnishing the image of state institution (ISI) and its officers.”

The media regulator has the authority to shut down broadcasters based on such complaints, and has done so under previous administrations in Pakistan.

“We call on the Pemra not to act on this spurious complaint, and we call on Pakistan’s security services to recognise the critical role of the media and exercise tolerance and maturity,” said Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia programme coordinator. “The ISI is free to rebut allegations in the media but should not try to censor coverage.”

Tension between Pakistan’s military and intelligence communities and much of the media swiftly escalated following an assassination attempt on Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir on April 19. Mir was hit with six rounds from assailants on motorcycles as his car was travelling between Karachi’s airport and the centre of the city. Mir was severely wounded and is recovering in the hospital. Geo TV has broadcast accusations that the ISI was involved in the murder attempt.

Mumbai terror attacks case in Pakistan hit by security concerns

For four weeks since the suicide attack on the Islamabad district and sessions court on March 3, the trial of the seven accused in the Mumbai terror strike of November 26, 2008, was held up.

Defence lawyer Rizwan Abbasi said that the case underway in the Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) in the F/8 Markaz which was targeted, was being heard in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi and security concerns were voiced by judge Atiq ur Rehman.

He said an application was made to the law secretary to enhance security at the jail where the trial is also conducted sometimes since the accused cannot be transported outside.

Now the ATC has been shifted to sector G 11 and Mr. Abbasi has moved an application for the accused to be exempted from appearance. While no witness could be cross examined last month, the case will now be heard next Wednesday.

Earlier, the court heard the matter every week and that is likely to continue as is the practice if there is some satisfaction over security. About 32 witnesses have been examined so far in the case.

He said it was not only the Mumbai case but all other cases which were held up due to security concerns after the attack on the court. Most of the cases were adjourned as a result last month.

The prosecution had earlier said there were several witnesses left to be examined and they also had a list of some people whose testimony had to be recorded. The old team of defence lawyers was replaced by Mr Abbasi in a well publicized event last year.

He had said that the trial was moving very slowly and was planning to approach the higher courts for a speedy closure. India has been demanding that Pakistan punish the guilty in the Mumbai attacks and the suspects include Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hammad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jameel Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younus Anjum.

Proceedings started in 2009 but have dragged on and one of the prosecutors Chaudhry Zulfiqar was shot dead in May 2013. The current prosecutor had also demanded increased security cover.