Removal of ban on Shia websites ordered

Taking notice of the Shia Action Committee’s protest against a ban on their websites, Adviser to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik directed the authorities concerned to restore the websites and remove objectionable material from the web pages immediately. In a directive issued on Wednesday, the adviser also directed the authorities concerned to take legal action against those who had pasted objectionable material on the websites. A website that monitors sectarian killings of Shias in Pakistan was reportedly banned by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which works under the Information Ministry. Attempts to access the website met with an “Access denied” message, a usual occurrence for banned websites. PTA has allegedly banned another Shia website. The Shia Action Committee on Tuesday protested against the alleged ban on their websites. staff report