Pemra issues notice to private TV for airing Indian content

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday in a letter to Sabzbaat television issued a show cause notice for airing Indian content in its transmission.

In its notice Pemra General Manager Operations wrote that daily transmission report of that television from November 4 to November 12, 2016 confirmed that channel had been airing English movies dubbed in Hindi language and Indian songs daily in sheer violation of Pemra laws as well as orders of the authority conveyed vide letter dated 19.10.2016. Now, therefore, M s East Films (Pvt) Ltd (private TV) is hereby directed to stop broadcast of Indian content immediately and also show cause within seven days on or before 23.11.2016 before 4 pm.

The letter stated as to why under Section 29 of Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, Rs100000 may not be imposed on this private TV or under Section 30 of Pemra Amendment Act 2007, why this channel may not be suspended or under Section 30 of Pemra Amendment Act 2008, why the private TV’s licence may not be cancelled or revoked.

Ms East Films may also communicate in writing if it wants to be heard in person or not. In case of failure to file reply within stipulated time Pemra will have the right to initiate ex-parte proceedings. Pemra in one of its meeting had decided that no Indian content would be shown on any licensed Satellite TV channel.