November 05, 2007	Monday	Shawwal 23, 1428

LAHORE, Nov 4: All private TV channels remained off air on Sunday with no one from Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) or the Ministry of Information knowing when they are expected to return on-air.

A Pemra official, when asked, feigned ignorance about timing of allowing cable operators to relay the channels again.

An information ministry official too was equally apologetic when asked about any decision on the issue.

A message left for Minister of Information Muhammad Ali Durrani was never answered in spite of promise and the cell phone of Minister of State for Information Tariq Azeem went unattended despite repeated calls.

Meanwhile, rumours about cancellation of certain television channels’ licences and others being raided by law enforcing agencies were rife in the city.

Websites of all news television channels also remained in state of flux, with sporadic updating and blocking of some of them.

Commenting on the situation, a TV compeer said: “The government would now be talking to the owners of television channels and seek some guarantees before allowing them back on-air. In spite of fresh amendments to Pemra Ordinance, the government wanted additional guarantees from owners.”