ISLAMABAD: Punjab Police have once again refused to obey the law and refused to assist Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to take action again an illegally operating powerful cable operator who is not only a defaulter of tens of millions but is also depriving citizens from their basic right. Regal Star Cable Network, an illegally operating cable business, is defaulting Pemra for tens of millions since many years and is not only indulged in many illegal acts but is also refusing to pay dues by using pressure and threatening tactics because of high links of its owners. Dozens of Pemra communications to Regal Star to stop illegal activities and to pay its defaulted amount were simply ignored by the powerful operator. When under the Pemra law, the Authority raided the office of cable operator few months back to seal the premises and confiscate equipment, Punjab Police helped the operator and rescued him forcefully. Regal Star has moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) against Pemra’s decision and action but the LHC rejected all its appeals because of unbelievably huge default. After the LHC order, Pemra decided to take action under the law. However, on Thursday when Pemra officials approached police in compliance with the LHC orders and formally moved an application in Faisal Town Police Station, police officials simply refused to cooperate. Police officials said the provincial government has stopped them from taking any action and the LHC orders will only be implemented when the government will allow. SHO Faisal Town Police Station Rana Asghar and DSP Kashif Mir, who were refusing to provide assistance to Pemra for which they are legally bound, refused to talk on the issue. Pakistan’s independent media is being controlled by few cable operators now and there is no one to help media and poor regulatory authority Pemra because of vested interests.
