All Pakistan Cable Operators Association (APCOA) and CLAP on Thursday announced to shut cable services for six hours (12.00pm to 6.00pm) from December 24 to December 26 in Southern Punjab against the exorbitant increase in CD tariff and issuance of 300 new licenses by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) despite stay order of the court.
Addressing a press conference, Chaudhry Tahir Javed, General Secretary Punjab Cable Operators Association of Pakistan (PCOAP) Aizaz Khan, President CLAP, Fahad Raza, Sheikh Amir, Dilshad Baig, Rana Muhammad Ayub, Malik Rasheed, Sheikh Saliheen, Haji Zafar and others at Multan Press Club, they said that Pemra had not only increased CD tariff but also issued 300 new licenses, despite stay order in this regard. "Therefore, the APCA and CLAP have announced to shut cable services from 12:00pm to 6.00pm from December 24 to December 26 in Southern Punjab. Besides, cable transmission would also be suspended in some parts of Upper Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.
He said that Pemra had increased CD tariff and CD fee by 140 percent in a year. "Perman had assured the cable operators to restore the previous CD tariff and CD fee on the demand of the operates," they added. However, Pemra has collecting CD fee and tariff at the increased rate.
He said if the demands of the operators were not accepted than they would resort to full strike and shut cable services for unidentified period. He added that cable operators have decided to observe country wide strike for their rights, which would be carried out in phases.-PR