The Stifling of Popular Independent Media in Pakistan

[Riaz Haq]

It is a very sad day indeed. It seems that the glimmer of hope for a civil Pakistan created by independent TV channels has been extinguished at least for the moment. We all need to learn a lot about the exercise freedom, responsibility and the spirit of compromise necessary to nurture and sustain any hope for democracy. Sadly, the spirit of compromise so essential for democracy was missing in the behavior of the judiciary, the media and the politicians in Pakistan.
In addition to displaying graphic images of violence and mayhem on the streets, GEO and its various commentators( Hamid Mir, Shahid Masood, Absar? etc.) went out of their way to take strong anti-government positions and failed to play the proverbial "devil's advocate" role in panels consisting entirely of anti-Musharraf panelists. Since the imposition of emergency by Musharraf, Geo abandoned any semblance of objectivity in their reporting. I know I am sad about the closure of my favorite channel and I can understand Geo TV commentators anger at being shut-down but they also need to reflect on their own behavior.
I do hope to see GEO back on the air very very soon.

[Riaz Haq]

Unfortunately, most people have very short memories, and even shorter-term horizons. Democracy is a goal that requires a lot more patience, tolerance and longer term thinking to succeed. The propensity in Pakistan to become "heroes" and "shaheeds" by refusing compromises as shown by our judges, lawyers, media, politicians and Musharraf is not in the best long term interest of our nation. We can do with fewer heroes and shaheeds and seriously need wiser, more pragmatic and sincere leaders to move toward a durable democracy that serves our people. Unless we reflect on the mess that currently exists and change our ways, we will be condemned to permanent chaos and ultimately self-destruct. As Churchill described it once: "Democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried". Let's choose a path to democracy because the alternatives are far worse.

[Faisal Kalam]

I totally agree with MR Riaz Haq thoughts. GEO and other Private channels don’t forget that it’s Misharf Govt’ who gave them freedom of speech. Before Musharaf it was Benazir khabernama or Nawaz Khabernama. I want to ask one simple question to all private channels, why they portraying Benazir and Nawaz as a victim, on the other hand, the truth is both looted Pakistan, made deals with Government for their safe escape, whole world knows their corruptions but our GEO and other channel failed to launch any campaign against corrupt politicians.