Sales of satellite dishes banned in two cities

Islamabad: Authorities have stopped sales of satellite dishes in two cities to block access to private news channels, salesmen said yesterday.

The channels were taken off air on Saturday after the government imposed emergency rule.

"Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has temporarily suspended transmission of independent news TV channels till further instructions," says a message flashed on a state-run TV channel.

The censorship prompted some to switch to satellite dishes for an update on domestic and world reaction, attracting a move by local authorities to prevent the sale of the equipment.

Police went to various electronic markets in Rawalpindi and Karachi and asked shop-owners to close, traders said.