Suspension of Geo TV: People lament 'darkest day' for press freedom

Reactions from social media regarding Geo channels' suspension

 Geo News, Geo Entertainment and Geo Tez’s licenses have been suspended till May 28, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) announced on Tuesday, Express News reported. 

Following the announcement, social media exploded with reactions regarding the suspension of the channel.

The hashtag #UnitedAgaistGeo and #Pemra were among top trends on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

Journalists lament Pemra recommendation

Today Geo licence has been suspended - tomorrow it will be another channel, and the next day another

— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) May 20, 2014

This is one of the darkest days for press freedom in Pakistan.

PEMRA has just announced suspension of GEO TV's licences.

— Mighty (@mightyobvious) May 20, 2014

https://twitter.com/khalidkhan787/status/468778997552132099

Sad, sad, sad day.

— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) May 20, 2014

Maen aaj zadd pay agar hooN tau khush-gumaaN na ho/ Charagh sub kay bujhein gay hava kisi ki nahiN #Geo #Pakistan

— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) May 20, 2014

Political leaders less enthusiastic

The Government & only d Government is 2 be blamed,timely intervention & sensible handling of d issue was required not a "BAN" on tv channel!

— Shazia Atta Marri (@ShaziaAttaMarri) May 20, 2014

Agenda-driven media house GEO's suspension is an eye opener to all media outlet not to misuse media freedom & nt 2 be king makers.

— Jan Achakzai / جان اچکزئی (@Jan_Achakzai) May 20, 2014

Congratulations finally the voice of masses heard. Geo licence suspended. Mir Shakeel must know the power of common man.

— Naz Baloch (@NazBaloch_) May 20, 2014