Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Muhammad Ali Durrani on Monday categorically stated that the government will take punitive measures against illegal cable operators including those found involved in transmission of illegal channels.
"The illegal channels were not allowed and if anybody was found guilty in violating the rules, punitive measures would be taken with all available resources at the disposal of the government to check such illegal transmission," he said. The Minister was talking to a 15-member delegation of Cable Operators Association of Pakistan (CAP), who called on him here.
During the meeting, the representatives from Cable Operators Association apprised the Minister of their viewpoint on the imposition of Rs 25 per connection per month excise duty in the Federal Budget 2006-07 and asked for its early removal. They further briefed the Minister about the decoders available in the market, which could facilitate a lot many illegal channels and asked for an early action from the government to check its further spreading.
The Minister asked the cable operators to come up with concrete proposals so that the matter could be taken up at the appropriate level to address this issue.
The Minister asked for full co-operation by the cable operators to help identify areas where such illegal decoders are in operation and violating the laws set by the government so that strict action be taken against those who are involved in such illegal activities. Secretary information, Shahid Rafi was also present in the meeting. The Secretary told the delegation that their genuine demands would be facilitated.