ISLAMABAD, on Monday, the state-controlled electronic media persisted in censoring speeches delivered by National Assembly (NA) members affiliated with the opposition. Surprisingly, the responsible authorities claimed they were unaware of the choice to suppress the opposition’s voice.
In a dramatic turn of events, prominent PTI leaders, gathered under the SIC banner in the lower house of the parliament, have declared their intention to file a privilege motion against Pakistan Television (PTV). During the heated session in the National Assembly on Monday, prior to Shehbaz Sharif’s oath-taking as prime minister, Omer Ayub voiced his grievances to the speaker and accused the state media of blatant prejudice against them. Omer Ayub, a candidate for the prime ministerial position, expressed his frustration on Monday, stating, “My speech was unjustifiably excluded from PTV’s broadcast during my address on Sunday.” Remarkably, Ayub’s speech was not censored by the speaker, yet it was not aired.
He questioned the preferential treatment given to Shehbaz Sharif’s speech, which was aired directly. Consequently, Ayub announced his intention to file a privilege motion against PTV.
SIC legislators to file privilege motion against state-owned electronic media
In a surprising turn of events, following their speeches, Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Akhtar Mengal faced complete media silence on PTV, while there were persistent disruptions and blockades when Asad Qaiser was addressing the assembly. Not only were their speeches censored on PTV’s television broadcast, but also on its social media platforms. The privilege motion against PTV will be forwarded to the National Assembly’s (NA) committee on rules and privileges once it is established. Later in his address, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledged Omar Ayub’s complaint, highlighting the issue of opposition members’ speeches being unjustly excluded from state-run TV coverage.
In an impassioned plea, he exclaimed, “We must break free from the suffocating legacy established by Khan Sahib. It is our duty to make decisions that fortify this esteemed institution and illuminate the nation’s future.” He further suggested that if not for the ongoing protests, their fellow members could have had the privilege of listening to the prime minister’s address.
However, the authorities seemed to be evading responsibility regarding the blackout of coverage. Murtaza Solangi, the temporary minister for information and broadcasting, held office until the swearing-in ceremony of the new prime minister on Monday afternoon. When confronted about the unexplained absence of opposition members’ speeches from PTV, Mr. Solangi deflected the question, stating that the PTV managing director should address the matter. Regrettably, neither the secretary of information nor the PTV chief offered any clarification on this concerning issue.
