Pemra gives a firm no to Indian media content

12 companies shortlisted for DTH licences; cable operators protest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Chairman Absar Alam strongly condemned the latest incident of Indian aggression across the Line of Control and said in the given situation, there was no possibility of allowing airing of Indian content in Pakistan.

He told a media conference that Pakistan military men had laid down their lives for Pakistan. He noted the public had appreciated the decision of banning Indian content in the country.

Absar said that as many as 12 companies had been shortlisted for issuance of DTH licences. He ruled out the possibility of delaying the process, saying certain elements wanted to delay the DTH auction but insisted this would be against the national interests and Pemra would never allow this.

Pemra chairman noted that delaying DTH would go in favour of Indian DTH, whereas Indian content in no way would be allowed to be aired, as the content for Pakistanis viewers and audience had been cleansed of unhealthy stuff. He said Pemra had accorded approval to setting up of an FM radio by the National Press Club. He said the FM radios would be monitored to make sure nothing against the national security and local values went on air. 

He explained that the auction for award of three DTH licences would be held on November 23 among 12 companies. He added that this would pave way for billions of rupees coming into national exchequer.

Earlier, a cable operators association delegation met Pemra chairman here. However, the two sides failed to reach agreement on the issue of DTH licensing. Talking to media persons, cable operators association leader Khalid Arain cautioned that they reserved the right to agitate or stage a sit-in against DTH and urged Pemra to postpone it for two years.

He made it clear that cable operators were not opposed to the ban on Indian dramas or movies but they wanted DTH licensing should be halted for two years. Cable operators staged a demonstration outside the Pemra headquarters. 

The shortlisted companies include: i) M/s. Orient Electronics Pvt Ltd, Lahore; ii) M/s. Mag Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, Lahore; iii) M/s. Skyflix (Pvt), Ltd, Islamabad; iv) M/s. Startimes Communications Pvt. Ltd, Islamabad; v) M/s. Sardar Builders Pvt. Ltd., Islamabad; vi) M/s. Smart Sky Pvt. Ltd., Islamabad; vii) M/s. Parus Media & Broadcast Pvt. Ltd., Islamabad; viii) M/s. Naya Tel (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad; ix) M/s. Mastro Media Distribution (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad; x) M/s. Shahzad Sky (Pvt.) Ltd. Islamabad; xi) M/s. HB DTH Pvt. Ltd. Islamabad; xii) M/s. IQ Communication Pvt. Ltd. Karachi