The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to stop issuing show cause notices to TV channels based on violations of the regulator's Ramazan transmission guidelines until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) passes "an appropriate order in this regard".

In compliance with the apex court's order, a press release issued by Pemra claimed it had suspended "action on violations of Ramazan Guidelines". Pemra had issued its Ramazan transmission guidelines in May 2017.

Geo Entertainment, Sindh TV, KTN and ARY Digital have all found themselves on the receiving end of Pemra notices since the beginning of the month of Ramazan.

The apex court's decision comes as a result of a petition filed by the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA).

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One of the objectives of the PBA, as mentioned on its website, is to "encourage and promote rules, regulations, customs, and practices which would serve the best interest of the public and improve the highest traditions and aspirations of the Broadcasting House and members of the association."

Pemra, however, is legally empowered to take action against electronic media outlets that it finds in violation of its guidelines. For now, the ball appears to be in IHC's court.