Nawaz in damage control mode over media ban, demands party leader’s expulsion

LONDON - In an apparent attempt to tone down the heightened tension which emanated from the passing of a media ban resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif has called for expulsion of Sanaullah Mastikhel from the party.

It was Mastikhel, who had introduced the bill concerning the gag order on the media in the provincial assembly, which was passed unanimously by all parties on Friday.

Talking to media persons in London, Nawaz, however, put the onus of action against Mastikhel on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

He accused Mastikhel of using the party platform for personal gains.

“Nobody will be allowed to use the party platform for personal gains or ulterior motives,” The Daily Times quoted Nawaz, as saying.

The gag order on media received a huge criticism from the country’s media fraternity with the Council of Pakistan Newspapers and Editors (CPNE) describing the move as a “drone attack” on the media.

The CPNE and other journalist organisations have demanded its immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Scores of journalists and civil society members took out protest rallies across the province and observed a ‘black day’ against the gag order on Saturday.

Meanwhile, former information minister Sherry Rehman has also demanded the withdrawal of the anti-media resolution.

Rehman described the move as ‘anti-democratic’ and the one which reflected lack of tolerance amongst the legislators. (ANI)