Why a media magnate was detained in Pakistan

The authorities in Pakistan have actually arrested among the nation’s leading media magnates on charges he illegally obtained government land more than 30 years back.

Mir Shakilur Rahman is the editor-in-chief of the Jang group which owns some of Pakistan’s the majority of extensively circulated papers, as well as the popular Geo tv network.

The arrest is being seen by journalists and human rights activists as more proof that totally free media and political dissent are being silenced in Pakistan.

Mr Rahman, who rejects the charges versus him, appeared in court on Friday and was remanded in custody.

What was Mr Rahman detained for?

The charges against him connect to the purchase of a number of plots of land in Lahore, return to 1986.

Pakistan’s anti-corruption company, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), has actually alleged that in that year, when future PM Nawaz Sharif was chief minister of Punjab province, he let Mr Rahman illegally get more government-owned-land than he was permitted by law.

Dawn paper estimated a NAB authorities as stating Mr Rahman was entitled to four acres of land under the Lahore Development Authority’s “land exemption policy”, however he got more than 13 acres.

NAB states this was prohibited and amounted to a political bribe.

Mr Rahman states he bought the land from a private celebration and paid all the essential taxes and tasks, for which he has documents. He likewise says the purchase is a civil matter and therefore beyond the writ of an anti-crime firm like NAB.

Is that what it’s truly about?

Irrespective of the merits of the case, numerous doubt NAB is performing its tasks honestly. It frequently acts versus those who question government policies.

The arrest has triggered extensive criticism from reporters’ bodies, rights groups and the political opposition.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has actually expressed “deep concern” over the arrest.