[JURIST] The most popular independent television network in Pakistan, Geo-TV [media website], resumed on-air broadcasting Monday after the government lifted a ban imposed during the declaration of emergency rule [JURIST reports] issued by President Pervez Musharraf [JURIST news archive] in November. The network was allowed to start broadcasting again only after it signed a government code of conduct which included guidelines on media conduct. The guidelines include bans on live coverage of demonstrations and programs that "defame or ridicule" the President, and require anchors and talk show hosts not to give opinions that threaten Pakistan's sovereignty and security.

Geo-TV risked the wrath of the Musharraf regime in March 2007 when it provided extensive coverage of events surrounding the suspension and eventual reinstatement of now-ousted Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry [official profile; JURIST news archive]. AP has more.