Locally manufactured DTH boxes to be introduced, PEMRA informs SC

Ensure DTH boxes are affordable, says SC

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court was informed on Wednesday that the country's electronic media regulatory body will introduce locally manufactured Direct to Home (DTH) boxes.

The additional attorney general briefed the apex court on the matter and also requested a tax exemption for Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) manufactured boxes.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) grants tax exemptions and further said that local DTH boxes should be affordable for consumers.



The court also instructed that recommendations of the committee, comprising the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Customs and PEMRA, regarding the smuggling of Indian (DTH) boxes should be sent to the relevant authorities.

The committee also recommended tax exemption on locally made DTH boxes, the court stated.

During the last hearing, the apex court ordered authorities to confiscate smuggled DTH boxes.



"FIA and PEMRA have conducted search operations," the additional attorney general stated during the proceeding and added that 13 FIRs have been registered, while 39 people have been arrested.

The court stated that it will keep track of the developments of the case and adjourned the hearing for three weeks.