Letter: Indian censors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE INDIAN Information Minister announced a complete ban on Pakistan Television on 2 June, when he said that "PTV, which has launched a vilification campaign against India, specially in connection with the Kargil situation, will not be allowed to be telecast by cable operators until further orders". Police have been ordered to arrest and prosecute those violating the ban.
This is the first time since the Second World War that any country professing to be democratic has taken such an extreme, arbitrary and reprehensible action to impose curbs on the free flow of information through the electronic media. This ban is a violation of Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rights which says: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression... and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas." If the Indian authorities fear facts and are unable to face the truth, after Pakistan Television, it may soon be the turn of the BBC, CNN and other news organisations.
The government of Pakistan, for its part, has no intention of reciprocating, and Indian television channels continue to have access in Pakistan. Let the people judge.
KHURSHID MAHMUD KASURI
Standing Committee on
Information & Media Development
Islamabad, Pakistan
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments