ISPR runs FM channels under agreement with Pakistan Radio: Pemra

Official says all religious channels being run
without licence

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has made it clear that it has never issued a radio channel to the Pak Army. Senior Pemra official Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, speaking in a seminar on media regulations, said ISPR is running FM channels under an agreement with Radio Pakistan.

He said state media, including Radio Pakistan, does not fall under the ambit of Pemra. He said all religious TV channels are being run without licence. He said no policy has so far been developed on religious TV channels.

He said many channels like Q TV have taken stay orders from courts. He said it is a sensitive issue, adding that 203 FM channels, 160 of which commercial, have gained licence from Pemra.

He said Pakistani media is unbridled and issues incorrect news in the race for rating. Defending the strength of staff, he said if there is lack of Pemra officials, people do not follow rules. A few days ago, the Supreme Court has sought reply from Pemra on the FM channels run by ISPR.