Protection in 24hrs or we shut down network: cable operators

KARACHI: Cable operators have threatened to suspend their services if they are not provided with the needed protection for their assets as well as manpower within twenty-four hours, Geo News reported.

Cable Operators Association Chairman Khalid Arain and other office-bearers addressing a press conference in Karachi Press Club (KPC) said they were receiving threats from lawbreakers, while their cables worth millions of rupees have been stolen from the various parts of the city.

Araeen lamented the losses they incurred at the hands of unruly activists belonging to a powerful political party in Karachi.

“Miles long cable as well as equipment has been destroyed/stolen by the angry activists, who would compensate for that?”, Arain questioned the newsmen.

“We were warned to shut down top national news channels especially Geo News, which we did not in the best interest of all, that was our crime”, he said.

“First they pulled down the cables in different parts of the city, then they tortured the linemen sent to repair the damages threatening them of grave consequences if they did their job”, said a shocked Araeen.

He said we have nothing to do with the content TV channels telecast, adding theirs was a job that concerned with the distribution of the transmission.

He demanded of the government to safeguard cable operators otherwise there doing business would become impossible leading to a complete shut down of the network.

At least seventy percent of the city’s consumers were suffering a cable transmission blackout since no repair-work has been started as yet.

Arain said, “We are being threatened constantly by foulmouthed people on the phone”

To a question, he said, “ In this city people even don’t to police station to lodge an FIR for murder, how as well as where should we go to register our grievances?”