Friday, Mar 29, 2024 | Last Update : 11:33 AM IST

  Pakistan to target Indian DTH

Pakistan to target Indian DTH

Published : Sep 2, 2016, 5:23 am IST
Updated : Sep 2, 2016, 5:23 am IST

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has decided to take a strict action against Indian direct-to-home (DTH) services and Indian content on satellite TV channels and cable networks i

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has decided to take a strict action against Indian direct-to-home (DTH) services and Indian content on satellite TV channels and cable networks in Pakistan after India gave its nod to All India Radio (AIR) to broadcast programmes in Balochi language on Wednesday.

Addressing a news conference on Thursday, Pemra chairman Absar Alam said that strict action will be taken against those channels who will violate the Pemra code of conduct. He said that only TV channels with licences can broadcast foreign content not more than ten per cent of their transmission time and only six per cent of Indian content. He said that a multi-pronged strategy had been devised to control the import, sale, purchase and use of illegal Indian satellite dishes in the country.

Mr Alam also appealed to the general public to stop use of illegal Indian dish antennas as it was violation of the law and against national interests.

Mr Alam asked the administration of television channels and cable operators to voluntarily follow the rule adopted during the Pervez Musharraf era otherwise punitive action will be taken from October 15.

Replying to a question he said that punitive action will start with fines and may include suspension and revocation of the licences after repeated violations. He asked the cable operators to immediately stop airing illegal Indian channels otherwise strict action will be taken against them and the Authority will also monitor the cable network to close the illegal cable television channels. He said that Pemra will launch its own DTH television system by October this year.

Express Tribune reported Pemra will write letters to chief ministers of the provinces to keep a check on such content.

Location: Pakistan, Islamabad