Radio Pakistan cancels VOA's Pushto broadcast following Taliban threat

Peshawar, Feb.7 (ANI): Radio Pakistan has decided to discontinue the Voice of America's (VOA) Pushto-language programmes following a threat from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The VOA launched its Pushto-language radio station, 'Deeva Radio', in 2009, targeting audience in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and other tribal areas.

"The Radio Pakistan central management ended its agreement with the VOA in light of the terror threats and political pressure, as many local listeners went to the (print) media to force the government to cancel the agreement," The Daily Times quoted a senior producer at Radio Pakistan Peshawar, as saying.

"The Taliban and other anti-American groups in the country threatened to bomb the Radio Pakistan Peshawar premises if the station continued airing Deeva Radio programmes," he said on conditions of anonymity.

However, Radio Pakistan Director General Murtaza Solangi said the broadcast was cancelled on mutual agreement between the state broadcaster and the VOA. (ANI)