PEMRA for making regional setup more vibrant

Chairman assures equal opportunities to all stakeholders

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Chairman Muhammad Saleem Baig on Thursday stressed upon making the regional setup more vibrant and fully available to the genuine demands of the stakeholders.

He expressed these view during his visit to Regional Office Faisalabad where he was briefed about the operational activities, licensing and enforcement in Faisalabad Region by Regional Office in-charge Hafiz Jamil Asghar. He also stressed the need for adopting a comprehensive plan of action against the infiltration of illegal Indian DTH (direct to home) in Pakistan so that smooth sailing for Pakistani DTH could be ensured and level playing field be guaranteed. During the visit, the PEMRA chairman also held a meeting with the representatives of the cable operators of the Faisalabad and assured them PEMRA's support in accordance with law. However, he directed cable operators to operate within the ambit of law and to stop all illegal channels as well as the excessive foreign content being aired on CD channels and emphasised that they are the custodians of moral and social values and hence have a great responsibility towards building a responsible society. He urged them to make DTH a success in Pakistan in collaboration with PEMRA in order to avoid larceny of billions of rupees out of Pakistan due to the illegal DTH.

PEMRA chairman urged cable operator to ensure best facilitation and services to the public and to stop airing the channels which do not conform to the socio-cultural or religious values.