ProPakistani reports that from the content of the directive, it appears that PTA will be handling the filtration of the websites. It has been given the authority to take measures and independently block websites consisting of blasphemous and pornographic content.
It has also been reported that the directive was issued on the direct orders of Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf with input from President Asif Ali Zardari.
The government unveiled its plan to implement a filtration system in February this year when the ICT R&D Fund had asked vendors for proposals. After much criticism from activists and local and foreign media, it had been reported that the plan to set up the system had been shelved.
A version of this post originally appeared on ProPakistani.
COMMENTS (9)
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So, now the government censors will decide what we, as adults, can or can't do on the world-wide-web! Are we like children, that we need to be monitored...? And who are these government decision makers to decide for us. Who monitors their behavior?
" Where there's a will there's a way " and if anyone should know this, its our President.
Our government officials really are childish.
Will the government consider the various hate speeches and hate literature against non-Muslims, Ahmadis and Shias as material that blasphemes Islam? IT is an unfortunate fact that people acting on such hate material in the name of Islam hurt the image of Islam far more than any 14 year old illiterate girl burning Noorani Qaida could.
I wish this PPP government would show the same religious zeal in tackling corruption in its ranks, which is even more blasphemous than some obscure websites created by non-muslims.
Attempt by government to divert attention from its incompetence. Election wining ploy.
At least hold off until PEMRA has finalised its understanding of vulgarity. I am sure internet will prove to be a priceless reference in this pious venture of ours since we think of it to be useful solely for this diabolical purpose alone.
Once our moral police has been englightened (read jaded), can I please request that we cut-off the internet entirely as the 'little' good it does offer doesn't seem to be helping our nation in any way whatsoever.
Do keep the online tutorials for making metal hand tools as they'd definitely help once we hit the iron age in a few centuries. Thanks.
Seriously? Is it gonna help in anyway? Is this gonna bring peace in the society?
And how about controlling all those insane people who accuse innocents (like Rimsha) of blasphemy?
please no moral policing.....