Media

PEMRA Bans Indian DTH, Channels in Pakistan

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has decided to launch a crackdown against illegal Indian satellite dishes and illegal Indian content on Satellite television channels, and cable networks.

Announcement was made by Mr. Absar Alam, Chairman PEMRA, during a press conference in Islamabad today.

Mr. Alam said that Cable TV operators broadcasting illegal Indian TV channels will be dealt severally and there’s a blanket ban on Indian DTH service providers.

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Similarly, all Pakistani TV channels can air Indian content with less than 6% of total air time, starting October 15th, 2016.

With 6% Indian content, a total of 10% foreign content can be shown at most by local TV channels.

This means that a total of 2 hours and 24 minutes can filled at most with foreign content out of which a maximum of one hour and 26 minutes can be Indian content.

Any additional airtime for Indian or foreign content on local TV channels will result into legal action from PEMRA, the chairman said.

To a question he said that punitive action will start from fines and may include suspension and revocation of the license after repeated violations.

He asked cable operators to immediately stop airing illegal Indian CD channels otherwise strict action will be taken.

He said that multi-pronged strategy has been devised to control the import, sale, purchase and use of illegal Indian satellite dishes in the country.

He appealed the general public to stop use of illegal Indian dishes as it was violation of the law and against the national interests.

Chairman emphasized that import of Indian DTH equipment and cards has been banned and there’s already an ongoing action against those who sell Indian DTH or help consumers load their subscription charges.

To a question, the Chairman PEMRA said under the strategy, help of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, intelligence agencies, local police has been taken to curb illegal DTH services in Pakistan.

He said that FIA will also be approached for ensuring that the business of illegal Indian dishes is banned. He said that the PEMRA will write letters to chief ministers of the provinces, chairman Federal Bureau of Revenue in this regard.

FIA, in collaboration with PTA, other authorities, has been hunting for Indian DTH operators in Pakistan.

In an ongoing operation, the bank accounts, branchless banking accounts, mobile numbers and websites of those operating Indian DTH services in Pakistan have been shut down for selling Indian DTH equipment and subscriptions.