QUETTA: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Balochistan, has banned relay of programmes of popular Afghan television channels by cable operators, but Indian channels can still be watched in the province.

Pemra’s Regional Director Jalal Khan told Dawn that Afghan TV channels RTA, ATN, Shamshad and Lemar had been shut “because of instructions from headquarters of the organisation”. He said he did not know the reasons, but added that he had acted “in accordance with directives of Pemra headquarters”.

The official claimed that he was unaware of the Indian channels. The Afghan channels are popular among the people because they telecast programmes, including dramas and songs, in many people’s mother tongue.