Taliban coming up with its own ‘media regulatory authority’

ISLAMABAD - Taking a cue from the Pakistan Government, the Taliban has said that it would launch its own ‘media regulatory authority’ to monitor television, radio channels and newspapers to desist them from running an anti-Islam ‘propaganda’.

In a statement received by various media houses through e-mail, a self-proclaimed spokesman of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Muhammad Omar said a media regulatory authority would come up within few days, which would keep tab on country’s media so that it can not present the Taliban in bad light.

“We are working on a Taliban media regulatory authority, which should be operational in the next few days. It’s main objective is to monitor the media closely, so that no false statement regarding Islam and its ideologies is made, nor any disputed matter is discussed in the media,” The Daily Times quoted Muhammad, as saying.

“If anyone tries to carry out such practices, he or she will be fined first. If he or she does not refrain from such practices, then the person will be executed under a suo motu action,” the e-mail added.

It may be noted that the Pakistan Government is also mulling to stifle country’s media through a bill, which is to be tabled in the National Assembly soon.

According to reports, the government is in the process of finalising a regulation under which the television channels would be barred from showing images or programmes on suicide bombings, terrorists or the bodies of victims of terror attacks, and such other related material.

It would also prohibit statements from Islamist militants and any acts, which promote, aid or abet terrorist or terrorism. The media industry also has to assure the government that none of its programmes will promote hatred or militancy. (ANI)