All national cable TV providers have been advised by the agency to “immediately stop” transmitting Indian channels or content that is otherwise forbidden or illegal.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s electronic media authority began taking action against cable companies showing Indian content on local TV networks.
Four cable providers were raided by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) field employees “for airing unlawful Indian channels as well as Indian content,” the watchdog said in a statement.
According to the statement, it listed the cable providers in Karachi that are M/s Sharjah Cable Network, M/s Karachi Cable Services, M/s New Satellite Communication, and M/s Star Digital Cable Network. The regulatory agency seized unauthorised equipment during the raid and served show-cause notices to the violators.
According to claims of intentional violations of the Supreme Court’s decision by cable companies, the PEMRA has begun an operation in the nation.
It issued a warning to all cable TV providers in the nation to “immediately stop” airing Indian channels or content that is otherwise forbidden or illegal.
It stated that, “no channel other than PEMRA licensee would be allowed for distribution on cable TV networks and any operator found defying the orders henceforth would be dealt strictly in accordance with PEMRA laws.”
The broadcasting of Indian content on local television and FM radio channels was outright prohibited in 2016 by PEMRA.
The Pakistani government had no challenges to the order, thus the Lahore High Court lifted it in 2017, pronouncing it to be void.
In 2018, the Lahore High Court’s ruling was overturned by Pakistan’s Supreme Court, which imposed a prohibition on Indian content being shown on local TV networks.
The decision was mainly viewed as a retaliation after similar moves were taken against Pakistani content and performers by various stations and the Indian entertainment sector.
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