Pakistan Bans Two Afghan TV Stations

Officials have moved to prevent local cable operators from transmitting broadcasts by the two stations, Ariana and Tolo.

Pakistan's Media Regulatory Authority specifically criticized the stations for allegedly blaming Pakistan's intelligence services for a March 12 assassination attempt on a senior Afghan politician in Kabul.

Sebghatullah Mojaddedi, a former president and head of the upper chamber of the Afghan parliament, himself accused Pakistan of being behind the attack. Mojaddedi also heads a state-appointed peace commission that is encouraging Taliban insurgents to lay down their arms.

Islamabad denies any involvement in the incident.

(AP)