Pakistan Closes US-Funded Radio Causing Concern for Country’s Image

The forced closing of the US-funded radio station in Islamabad is causing concern for both Pakistan-US relations and Pakistan’s image regarding freedom of communication. Radio Mashaal, a Pashto-language station, was shuttered based upon a critical report submitted by Pakistan’s intelligence organization, the ISI – Inter-Services Intelligence. According to Arab News, the charge was a vague assertion that its programs “are found against the interests of Pakistan and are in line with a hostile intelligence agency’s agenda.” The news agency’s attempt to learn more from the interior minister was fruitless, the minister saying there was nothing to add to the notification. The shutdown has been criticized by the head of Pakistan’s journalists’ union who also stressed that the charges against the station are unsubstantiated.