This step will be taken in accordance with PEMRA Ordinance Section 30(3).
The authoritative committee had advised that Chairman is given the special authority to revoke or suspend TV licenses without a show cause notice or warning if any TV channel violates PEMRA regulations regarding Indian content.
PEMRA will revoke TV licenses if any illegal Indian content or channel is aired
The media regulation authority has been allowed to take such steps and will start taking action against any violators after 15th October 2016.
TV service providers will also fall under PEMRA enforcement and will to provide any Indian channels without permission.
Previously, PEMRA made an announcement on 31st August 2016 that airing of any illegal Indian channels or Indian content (with more than 6 percent of air time in a day) will be prohibited.
With respect to the recent relations between Pakistan and India and how our neighbour has violated cross border regulations, PEMRA has also advised the public to refrain from watching Indian channels and dramas.
Public has also been asking PEMRA to implement its regulations more strictly and stop the broadcast of Indian channels and content in Pakistan.
We reported yesterday that PEMRA had asked the federal government to cancel the previous policy regarding Indian channels and block all Indian content including movies, dramas, channels and ads from airing in Pakistan.
India has been actively blocking all Pakistani content inside its borders and has even forced Pakistani artists and sportsmen to exit the country immediately. Any content which even includes a Pakistani artist has been banned in India.
From October 16th onwards, PEMRA will have the authority to take action immediately and cancel or suspend licenses without a show cause notice prior to it. All Licensees will be informed of the new regulations beforehand and thus any violation will be strictly handled.
A copy of the PEMRA notification document is attached below:
