PEMRA issues notices to TV channels for violating SC orders

PEMRA issues notices to TV channels for violating SC orders

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (APP): Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) took serious notice of airing of ICC World Cup cricket matches through un-authorized and some illegal channels in the country and issued notices to them. In its continuous drive these days, PEMRA had not only served adequate warnings to all TV channels/cable TV operators to abide by the legitimate rights conferred to telecast ICC Cricket World Cup in Pakistan territory but also raided number of CTV operators disobeying PEMRA and the Court orders. In a press release issued by PEMRA, it was added that the Authority has also issued show-cause notices to nearly 16 TV channels found airing illegitimate live opening ceremony of cricket world cup. Authority is fully committed to safeguard legitimate rights of broadcast of cricket matches conferred to the channels in Pakistan and would not tolerate any violation in the regard. On the first day of ICC World Cup event, PEMRA enforcement teams cracked down against number of cable TV networks across the country, reportedly, violating orders of Supreme Court and impounded gadgets of nearly 100 CTV networks involved in distributing illegal sports and other channels. Besides, some cable networks were completely seized on account of deliberate and gross violations such as three in Balochistan, two in Kyhber Pakhtunkhwa and about half a dozen in AJK. During similar course of action in Punjab, ten cable TV networks were completely shutdown, five each in Multan and Lahore. In addition to physical raid, 36 cable TV networks in Lahore, Okara, Sheikhupura, Lalamusa, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Kamoki, Mandi Bahauddin, Pasroor and Pindi Phattian were served warnings. PEMRA enforcement teams in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Sargodha raided 30 cable TV networks. Of these, three cable TV networks in twin cities were partially seized and equipment was confiscated. PEMRA resolved to continue its drive against all odds of electronic media apparatuses till the time sanity prevails and every stakeholder realizes their responsibility towards healthy and objective growth of electronic media.