Pemra clamps ban on Indian content

Pemra directs all satellite television channels, radio stations, to follow the code of conduct or face repercussions

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Wednesday clamped a complete ban on airing Indian content on satellite TV channels and radio with effect from Friday.

The decision was taken during the 120th meeting held at the Pemra headquarters chaired by Chairman Absar Alam, according to a press release. Pemra directed all satellite television channels, as well as radio stations, to follow the code of conduct or else face repercussions.

“The ban will come into effect at 3pm on Oct 21. Licences of TV channels and radio stations that go against the ban will be cancelled without any show-cause notice,” says the statement issued by the media watchdog.

Earlier, Absar Alam called for a halt on airing Indian content on Pakistani TV channels. In this connection, he said a summary has been sent to the federal government in which it is clearly recommended that the transmission of Indian channels and content should be subject to permission of airing Pakistani content by India.

Meanwhile, Pemra and Customs Intelligence on Wednesday carried out a joint-raid in Karachi’s electronic market in Saddar area and confiscated many direct-broadcast satellite (DTH) and more than 3,600 low-noise block down converter (LNBs). Custom Intelligence’s Deputy Director Haji Aslam said they were estimating worth of the seized items. “No arrests were made during the raids,” he added.

Pemra’s enforcement team came under attack when it raided an illegal cable network in Sumandari. It also arrested the owner of an illegal network Sialkot.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2016.