Council of complaints asks Pemra to monitor ads’ content

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Council of Complaints, Balochistan, in its 31st meeting held with Prof Agha Muhammad Nasir in the chair at Pemra regional office, Quetta on Thursday has recommended the Authority to strictly monitor the content of commercial ads in view of its societal effects on our young generation.

It was also recommended that satellite TV channels should direct their news reporters or hosts to use the correct Urdu words and to strictly follow the laid-down rules for observing the 15 minutes of regular programme gap between every commercial break, says a Pemra handout.

The council expressed serious concerns over telecast of vulgar and indecent contents, promoting crimes and sectarian disharmony etc by the TV channels. The council adjourned the hearing of complaint against a  channel regarding telecast of indecent content till next meeting.

Hearing the case of M/s Asmaan Radio (Pvt) Ltd about illegal shifting of a radio FM from Mastung to Quetta, the council directed its CEO to immediately stop illegal FM  radio transmission from Quetta city and in case of failure, its operations will be seized.

The council deferred the case of M/s Cottcool International (Pvt) Ltd regarding non-operation of a FM radio from Ziarat till next meeting due to non-availability of its CEO. In case of his non-appearance in next CoC meeting, the case shall be decided ex-parte.

The council urged public to guide and support through their suggestion, complaints and feedback about content of satellite TV channels, FM radio or cable operators enabling them to guide the Regulator in better way.

Other CoC members including Dr Rashida Panezai, Advocate Mir Attaullah Langove, Musa Khan Kakar, and Rahat Ali Regional (General Manager/ Secretary to the council) were also present in the meeting.