In a bid to draw attention to the near blackout of Balochistan-related atrocities by the dominant television networks of the country, all Urdu channels have been shut down across the province for the past 24 hours.
The call for shutting down Urdu channels from February 1 was given by a Baloch students organisation to protest against the persistent bias in media coverage towards issues relating to Balochistan. In particular, Baloch activists are upset that the mainstream media seldom draws attention to the atrocities committed by the establishment against the people of the province.
Distinction
In taking this action against television channels, the Baloch people have drawn a distinction between Urdu channels and other language channels.
According to reports coming out of the province where the international media has little access, Sindhi, Pashto, Baloch and Brahui channels were unaffected by this boycott call.
Announcing the boycott call on Sunday, general secretary of Baloch Students Organisation (Mohyuddin) Javed Baloch said: “Baloch people are being subjected to enforced disappearances and their bullet-riddled bodies are turning up daily. But media is not highlighting this crime against humanity.''
