ARY owned Hindi channel suspended on violating Pemra directives

Channel is also shown in India and promotes Indian culture, religion

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Monday suspended the licence of Nickelodeon channel for airing cartoons dubbed in Hindi language.

This ARY owned Hindi channel is also shown in India. Before ban on Indian contents it showed in Pakistan unlimited Indian content including programmes, dramas etc promoting Indian culture and religion.

The electronic media watchdog announced that the licence was suspended over violation of Pemra directives, following the October 19 decision taken by the authority. Pemra had announced on October 19 that any satellite channel or those with landing rights would face bans over screening of Indian content. The statement, issued by Pemra, said that all distribution networks had been informed about the suspension of Nickelodeon channels. The decision will come into effect immediately.

Pemra has imposed a complete ban on airing Indian content on local television and FM radio channels. It has been implemented on the cable networks, including the channels being operated by cable operators.