Pak’s Geo News blocked over reports of shoe hurling at Zardari

KARACHI - The transmission of Karachi-based Geo News was blocked overnight in various parts of Pakistan after the channel aired reports regarding hurling of shoes at President Asif Ali Zardari during his party address in Birmingham.

According to reports, some Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders and government officials had issued threats and warnings to cable operators across country against continuation of Geo News transmission.

Most cable operators refused to do so, but two private companies- World Call and KMPC - blocked Geo News signals at around 2 a.m.

Meanwhile, Geo News employees have decided to stage a massive string of demonstrations against the government in reaction against the blockage.

The protests will be held outside the President House, the Prime Minister House, Oman Embassy in Islamabad, Chief Minister’s house, Governor Houses and the Press Clubs across the country.

An unidentified middle-aged man had reportedly hurled his pair of shoes one after another at Zardari during the event at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
The shoes missed Zardari and landed close to him.

The shoe-thrower, who has not been identified so far, was arrested and rushed outside the hall by security personnel, but was released later.

Pakistan Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira had denied any such incident taking place during the rally, and reprimanded the media for airing such a report.

“If someone tried to create disturbance while sitting in back of the hall, it was not visible and the news should be condemned rather than airing it as ‘breaking news’ or portraying it as ‘big news’,” Kaira said.

Kaira said that no television cameras were allowed inside the convention centre for security reasons. (ANI)