Cable network operators have protested against the tearing down and the burning of two network cables on Friday by mobs of ignoranti accusing operators of releasing obscene movies.
| "Titties! They got titties on them cables! Tear 'em down, boys!" |
People in Peeri Bagh and Mehbooba Dheri gathered after the Friday prayers, tore up cables of the OK Cables and Geo Cables networks and then set them on fire.
| Just after prayers, was it? Ain't that a coincidence! Surely it didn't have anything to do with the sermon? |
The people accused the two networks of releasing obscene movies being banned by the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). However, network owners denied the allegation. Cable Operators Association President Mujahid Salim told Daily Times that this was a third attempt by the local groups against the cable networks in the city, but the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) government and PEMRA had failed to provide them protection.
| MMA's in control, and you expect to watch something you want to see on the teevee? Right. That's gonna happen. |
âThe allegation is unfounded and baseless and if some people have watched the banned channels they should file complaints with PEMRA instead of attacking the networks. Everyone has his own definition of obscenity and vulgarity, but PEMRA is the body that can declare the channels prohibited or otherwise,â Mr Salim said.
| Some people's definition of vulgarity and obscenity is pretty wide... |
He said that despite their repeated complaints, neither the government nor PEMRA had taken any steps for their security. âIf the government cannot provide us security they should ask us to close down our businesses, and we will do it,â he warned.
| Ummm... I think that's the basic idea. |
He said last time cable networks in the city were attacked, PEMRA had assured the operators of protection and action against the attackers, but nothing had been done. âWe have asked the administration for security and protection and action against the attackers, but we are sure they will not investigate into the case as before,â he complained. He said his association would fully support the government in implementing the PEMRA rules and regulations and would not support those airing banned and obscene channels. |