Pemra, in a recent drive closed more than 43 different illegal channels and took action against a number of defiant cable operators across the country for distributing un-licensed channels. This is in addition to 53 channels of various genre closed by the authority a couple of months back. The illegal channels closed by the authority also includes some religious channels as well as popular entertainment and sports channels, stated the press release issued by Pemra on Saturday.
The action would pave way for Pemra licensed channels on distribution networks which were otherwise being ignored. Pemra has issued a list of eligible channels containing 83 Pakistani origin channels and 28 foreign channels registered with the authority to be strictly complied by all cable operators. The cable operators are also bound to relay national broadcaster (PTV) channels, which are mandatory under the Pemra law.
Pemra strongly rebutted that no legal or licensed channel has been closed in the country as being misreported by some channels to fetch undue public sympathies. In this recent bid, Pemra enforcement team raided head-ends of more than 20 cable operators in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Rawalpindi and impounded all gadgets being used in illegal operation. In addition, operations of three cable operators were completely seized Thursday at Missa Kaswal, Dina and Jhelum city on account of repeat violations. Pemra affirmed that such actions would continue till the complete clean sweep of illegalities in electronic media.-PR