Cable operators in various parts of the country have been ordered to block the popular news channel Geo News while some print media have also been pressured regarding the publication of news from independent sources. According to a news post, published in The News (March 14, 2009), this pressure on media has been exerted by the directr orders of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Geo News, which is considered a popular source of information abroad, is experiencing a ban from the government for the second time in the last two years; in 2007, President Musharraf had also banned it. This time, as the news post reveals, some senior Geo News staff members have been harassed over the last few days to make the news programs run according to the conditions of the Presidency. In addition, two of the most popular newspapers Jang (Urdu) and The News (English) are also under pressure from the government regarding news reports.

The journalist community has expressed grave concern over the ban and pressure imposed on media, calling it an act of stifling the freedom of media. Diplomats stationed in Pakistan have sent reports of the ban on Geo News to their respective capitals. Media people and opposition members have decided to launch on a protest against the oppression of media.

On a similar note, Sherry Rehman – the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting – has reportedly resigned from the cabinet due to the issue of government’s policy on media. Miss Rehman has been said to have warned against any unfair restrictions on media. Her resignation has not been accepted yet. As of now, the federal capital has been sealed and mobile communication is said to be closed down soon in order to check the public protest by lawyers and opposition.