Pak starts crackdown against airing of Indian content on TV

Islamabad, April 21

Pakistans electronic media regulator has started a countrywide operation against cable TV operators airing illegal Indian channels.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has also warned cable TV operators to immediately stop airing Indian content declared illegal or proscribed by the authority, Dawn reported.

No channel other than Pemra licensee would be allowed for distribution on cable TV networks, the authority said, adding that any violations would be dealt with in accordance with the Authority's laws.

On Thursday, Pemra said its regional offices conducted enforcement drives on reports of violations by cable operators who were airing illegal Indian channels.

This was in violation of the directions issued by the apex court as well as by Pemra, Dawn reported.

The Karachi regional office conducted surprise inspections in various areas and raided cable operators, namely Digital Cable Network, Home Media Communications (Pvt) Ltd, Shahzaib Cable Network and Sky Cable Vision.

The Hyderabad office raided 23 cable operators and seized eight networks that were airing illegal Indian content.

In Sukkur, a surprise raid was conducted in which Media Plus Larkana and Universal CTV Network Larkana were found to be airing illegal content.

The Multan office conducted raids in Bahawalnagar City and on cable operators, namely City Digital Cable Network, State Cable Network, Naseeb and Jameel Cable Network, World Bright Cable Network, Star Information Company and Global Signals Cable Network, who were airing illegal content, Dawn reported.

During the raids, Pemra's enforcement teams confiscated illegal equipment and show-cause notices were issued to the violators.