Lashkar calls for boycott of TV, music

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 14. The Pakistan-based militant outfit, Lashkar-e- Taiba, has called for the boycott of television and recorded music to help fight the Jews, Hindus, Christians and the communists.

The Lashkar chief, Prof. Hafiz Muhammad Sayeed, in his sermon at Central Multan on Wednesday said people should shun television, especially Indian drama, and music cassettes to devote their time and energy for the cause of Islam.

A number of religious parties and organisations have been whipping up passion against television and cable operators in recent months. Three months ago, right-wing religious groups in the North West Frontier Province threatened to cut off cable connections and smash television sets if their call for boycott was not heeded. The threats continued even after cable operators got relief from the courts.

The NWFP Government had to step in to give protection to the operators.

The growing popularity of Indian television channels is a sore point with the religious parties. They believe these channels spread obscenity and undermine Islam.

There are no private TV channels in Pakistan and the electronic media is entirely Government-controlled. Not only is the credibility of the electronic media low but the fare dished out by the Pakistan television and radio is also very poor.

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Section  : International
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