Pakistan’s media ban on jihadi outfits long overdue

Pakistan’s electronic media regulator’s instructions to TV channels to ban publicity of terror groups like LeT, JuD and FIF underlines the pressure Islamabad is under to curb these jihadi outfits which feed on propaganda. India has reacted by saying that the decision was long overdue, and reminded Pakistan to deliver on its anti-terror pledge.

Pakistan had issued a letter to television and radio stations from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and named 72 “terrorist or banned” organizations that aren’t to be given media coverage. The list included, among others, the Afghan Taliban and its ally, the Haqqani network.

India, which has been a victim of some of these terror groups, has reacted cautiously and is in wait-and-watch mode as New Delhi has always suspected that these militant groups are supported by sections of Pakistan’s military establishment.

“We have seen the media reports that Pakistan’s electronic media regulator has imposed a ban on publicity of LeT, JuD and FIF through electronic media. The relevant notification and its implications need to be studied,” said Vikas Swarup, the spokesperson of India’s external affairs ministry, in New Delhi on November 4.

“At first sight, it does appear that it is a ban merely on publicity through electronic media,” he added.

Pressing for stern action against terrorists on Pakistan soil, Mr Swarup elaborated saying, “A complete and enforceable ban by Pakistan authorities on all activities of all UN-proscribed affiliates of LeT, and other terrorist organisations, active in Pakistan has been long overdue. Effective action by Pakistan in this regard will have to go far beyond proscribing their publicity through electronic media.”

Reiterating India’s stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan, he added: “Our stand on the need for Pakistan to act on its oft-repeated assurances to end all terrorism emanating from territory under its control, including the terrorism directed against us, is well known.”

Pakistan has been accused of supporting jihadist groups to promote its agenda in India and Afghanistan, an allegation it denies. “This will have an impact on these organizations,” said Muhammad Amir Rana, director of the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank. “There is still confusion in some government quarters about completely banning these organizations,” added Mr Rana.

While Pakistan has made a decision to ban publicity of the terror outfits, its inability to take action against these groups over the years has impacted its credibility on following up its words with concrete actions on the ground.

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