ISLAMABAD, Dec 20: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has said it will soon issue licences in five categories to establish more radio and television stations in the country.

According to the annual report (2002-03) of Pemra issued recently, the categories in which the licences would be granted are: international-scale licence, national-scale licence, provincial-scale licence, local (city) and community-based licence, and specialized subject station.

In the category of international scale, the programme would aim at a target audience outside Pakistan.

Similarly, the national scale category envisaged the establishment of TV/radio broadcast stations covering almost the entire area of Pakistan. Under the local area- and community-based categories, the applicant would be required to set up broadcast facilities in only one city, including its suburban areas.

Similarly, specialized subject stations would be restricted to applicants desirous of setting up radio/TV station meant exclusively for educational purposes or specialized subjects like science and technology.

The report said Pemra had developed a future roadmap, outlining the major milestones like improving the access of people to electronic media to ensure provision of education, information and entertainment at the people’s doorsteps. The roadmap would also ensure a drawing up list of eligible channels which could be broadcast on cable TV, besides starting schemes under the name of “Friends of Pemra” to properly monitor the cable TV network.