BBC World News TV channel blocked in Pakistan

Wednesday 30 Nov 2011
Pakistani cable television operators have begun blocking the BBC’s international news TV channel, BBC World News.

The operators say that the move is in response to a documentary broadcast by the channel, entitled ‘Secret Pakistan’, BBC News reports.

Other foreign channels broadcasting “anti-Pakistan” material have been warned that they too will be blocked.

The BBC said it was deeply concerned by the move, and called for its channel to be speedily reinstated.

“We condemn any action that threatens our editorial independence and prevents audiences from accessing our impartial international news service,” a BBC spokesperson said.

“We would urge that BBC World News… to be reinstated as soon as possible.”

The two-part BBC documentary questioned the country’s commitment to tackling Taliban militancy.

Pakistan’s High Commission in London said the cable operators had taken the decision to block BBC World News on their own.

“The government of Pakistan strictly believes in the freedom of press and media,” said a statement from the High Commission.

BBC World News is thought to be the only foreign channel taken off air so far.