BBC World News channel blocked in Pakistan

Cable television operators in Pakistan have started blocking the BBC's international news television channel BBC World News.

Yesterday, the All Pakistan Cable Operators Association said that the boycott is in response to a two-part documentary aired on BBC World News titled Secret Pakistan, which explored accusations by CIA officials that Pakistan was falling behind in its commitments to assist the "war on terror".

Other channels broadcasting "anti-Pakistan" material have been warned that they face a similar ban if they persist with the activity.

A BBC spokesman said that the corporation was "deeply concerned" by the move, and called for the channel to be reinstated immediately.

"We condemn any action that threatens our editorial independence and prevents audiences from accessing our impartial international news service," said a BBC spokesman.

"We would urge that BBC World News and other international news services are reinstated as soon as possible."

Secret Pakistan questioned Pakistan's commitment to tackling the country's Taliban presence, and argued that some in Pakistan were claiming to be America's ally, but secretly supporting the militants.

After the documentary was aired, the All Pakistan Cable Operators Association announced that all foreign news channels airing "anti-Pakistan" content would be barred from yesterday.

The association also called on the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) "to revoke the landing rights" of foreign channels that were deemed guilty of "propagating" information damaging to the country.

The BBC reports that BBC World News is now not available in most Pakistani cities, with the boycott expected to extend to rural areas later today.

Timing of the blockade comes amid increasing tensions following NATO air strikes that accidentally killed 24 Pakistani soldiers at the weekend.

> BBC calls on government to tackle Iran 'intimidation'
> More media news