(PPF/IFEX) – The Pakistan government has decided to block distribution of an upcoming edition of the international magazine “Newsweek”, as it allegedly contains material “against Islam and the holy Quran”. According to press reports, the order was issued on 23 July 2003 by the federal minister for information and broadcasting, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad. Customs authorities […]
(PPF/IFEX) – The Pakistan government has decided to block distribution of an upcoming edition of the international magazine “Newsweek”, as it allegedly contains material “against Islam and the holy Quran”.
According to press reports, the order was issued on 23 July 2003 by the federal minister for information and broadcasting, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad. Customs authorities have been directed to seize all copies of the magazine’s 28 July edition, Ahmad said in an interview with the BBC. The minister said the action had been taken because the article could create anxiety among Pakistanis, hurt their sentiments and infuriate them.
According to the minister, the action was approved by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali.
