Crackdown In Pakistan Against Airing Of 'Illegal' Indian Content On TV

Pakistan's electronic media regulator has begun a nationwide crackdown on cable television (TV) operators broadcasting unlawful Indian channels, according a report in the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The regulator, called the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Autho­rity (Pemra), has also warned cable TV operators to cease airing prohibited Indian content instantly.

Only Pemra licensee channels can distribute on cable TV networks. Violations will be dealt with according to Pemra laws, the regulator said.

The authority conducted enforcement drives on reports of violations by cable operators airing illegal Indian channels, which were in violation of directions by the apex court as well as Pemra.

Regional offices in Karachi, Hyderabad, Multan, and other cities conducted surprise inspections and raided cable operators who were airing illegal Indian content, including confiscation of equipment and issue of a show-cause notice in some cases.