ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: Chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Mian Mohammad Javed said on Wednesday that the Pemra would only issue licences to Pakistani firms to set up private television and radio channels.

The chairman said the Authority is all set to issue licences to the private television channels in the second phase especially for MMDS and LMDS, radio transmission stations and cable networks, he told APP.

The first phase of licensing for radio and television has already been completed.

Answering to a question about the issuance of licence to overseas Pakistanis, he said they would be allowed after having a firm registered in Pakistan because under Pemra rules, only Pakistani firms would be eligible for setting up private television and radio networks.

The authority has already formulated rules and regulations and fee structure to issue a licence to companies.

Mr Javed added that the private sector television and radio channels would telecast and broadcast news and views independently, and keep them within the code of ethics.

Regarding freedom to channels, he said: “ The Pemra officials are confident that sufficient independence will be available to the media channels keeping within certain religious and cultural norms and national interests.”

“The Pemra is also seized with the issue of distribution of frequencies to each licensee in accordance with its category and the area of coverage,” he said.

He said every channel would be left to judge on its own what is in the best for the Pakistan while dealing with the issues relating to the country’s prime interests.—APP