Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf tightens media regulation

Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf tightens media regulation

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf tightened the regulation of Pakistan's media, the latest move against dissent in a growing political crisis over his suspension of the chief justice.

Under an emergency ordinance effective immediately, Musharraf made a raft of amendments to regulations governing the electronic media, including private television channels that the general has accused of anti-government bias.

The ordinance says authorities can seal the premises of broadcasters or suspend distributors breaking the law, and raises possible fines for violations from 1 million rupees (US$1,665) to 10 million rupees (US$16,665).