Pakistan minister rejects criticism over media freedom

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Thursday there was “no question of gagging” journalists after being challenged about his country’s record at a media freedom conference in London. Qureshi was questioned about the recent decision to take three Pakistan television channels off air, the arrest of journalists and deepening concerns about censorship.

“Believe you me, there is no question of gagging or controlling media,” he told the conference co-hosted by Britain and Canada. “That time has gone and with the new social media, the advent of social media, even if you want to gag you can gag nothing.”

Global watchdog Reporters Without Borders this week warned that cutting off AbbTakk TV, 24 News, and Capital TV was “indicative of disturbing dictatorial tendencies”. They were taken off air after screening a news conference with opposition leader Maryam Nawaz.