There is some bad news for lovers of Indian serials in Pakistan as the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has taken the decision of stopping the telecast of foreign content by the Pakistani TV channels and cable operators.
This step has come just after the Indian government installed a new transmitter for increasing the signal strength of the All India Radio (AIR) transmission in Jammu & Kashmir which has resulted in the smooth transmission of radio programs across POK and in the areas of Pakistan’s Punjab province and beyond that too. Not only this, the Indian government has given its nod to AIR for broadcasting programs in Balochi language in its bid to show its support with the freedom movement of Balochistan.
The reason cited by the Pakistani authority is that the launch of Pakistani DTH service is scheduled in the near future.
Absar Alam, the chairman of PEMRA, told Dawn,
“Adequate time is being given to the cable operators and satellite channels to adjust their timings as per the legal requirements. Otherwise, punitive action will be taken against the two important segments from October 15.”
However, he further added that the crackdown of dealers of Indian DTH will start immediately. It has been decided in the PEMRA board meeting that the telecast of Indian channels in the country will be stopped completely as none of the channels has the landing rights.
Absar Alam also said that the letters will be written by PEMRA to various agencies and bank such as Federal Board of Revenue, the State Bank and agencies and also the Federal Investigation Agency for making a dent in the sales of Indian DTH decoders in Pakistan.
He said, “Around three million Indian DTH decoders are being sold in the country. We not only want this sale stopped but will also ask the relevant agencies to trace the money trail to determine the mode of payments made to Indian dealers selling these decoders to Pakistanis.”
He further said that the cable operators, the Pakistan Broadcasters Association and all the stakeholders have already been warned that necessary steps will be taken to curb the telecast of too much foreign content.
As per the rules of PEMRA, foreign content can be telecasted for only 10 percent of airtime, i.e., two hours and 40 minutes in a 24-hour transmission.
Absar has also warned of disciplinary action for continuous violations such as suspension and revocation of licences.
This will definitely disappoint Pakistanis who love to watch Indian TV shows. What is your opinion about this action taken by PEMRA? Let us know your views in the comments section below.