[Media-watch] Media blackout in Pakistan triggers outrage - 27 March

[Julie-ann Davies]

http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=7768

World News > Media blackout in Pakistan's tribal areas triggers outrage

Lahore, Mar 27 (IANS) :

Media groups in Pakistan are protesting attempts to prevent journalists from reporting the government's offensive against Al Qaida and Taliban members in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, OneWorld reports.

Security forces have been accused of several rights violations in the military operation underway in South Waziristan agency in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA). 

The forces, which are said to have suffered a huge number of casualties, are accused of killing civilians in the region. 

International media group, Reporters Sans Frontières, has objected to Pakistan's concerted efforts to block media coverage, requesting armed forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan to guarantee media access to the region.

<snipped - full text at URL>

RSF Report
"Media prevented from reporting independently on army offensive in South Waziristan. At least four journalists arrested"
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=9620

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