All Indian channels banned in Pakistan

Islamabad, October 1

Pakistan’s media regulator has asked all channels in the country to “immediately” stop broadcast of illegal Indian content amid the ongoing tension between the two nations.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in a statement said it has been receiving complaints that several local private channels were showing Indian talk shows, reality programmes and dramas without permission.

“The complaints have shown serious concerns on this issue (illegal Indian contents) in the wake of current situation between India and Pakistan. Complaints have urged PEMRA to impose immediate ban on broadcast and distribution of illegal Indian channels and illegal Indian DTH,” PEMRA said in a statement on Thursday.

PEMRA said that it had already taken steps to stop illegal broadcast of Indian channels and warned that all distribution networks and TV channels should follow the laws and “immediately” stop the broadcasting of Indian contents.

“This will sent a positive signal to the public about the satellite TV channels and distribution networks’ commitment with rule of law and the country – about which a huge number of talk shows preach daily,” it said.

According to PEMRA rules, local channels can only show 5 per cent foreign contents but it has been seen that several channels mostly rely on foreign contents, mostly Indian, Turkish, American and European.

The statement came after Indian Army announced that seven terror launch pads were targeted across the Line of Control (LoC) by special forces during a ‘surgical strike’.

Last week, Raj Thackeray-led MNS issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes and actors, including Fawad Khan and Ali Zafar, to leave India by September 25 or else they would be “pushed out”.

Recently, concerts of Pakistani singers Shafqat Amanat Ali and Atif Aslam scheduled in Bengaluru and Gurgaon, respectively, were also cancelled. — PTI