LAHORE, Aug 10: The Cable Operators’ Association has criticized the government’s decision to continue the ban on Indian channels.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, association president Jabbar A Khan questioned the logic behind the ban in view of the changing regional scenario.

The ban was imposed when forces from both sides took to the border in Dec 2001. The cable operators readily accepted the ban on patriotic grounds, and absorbed the financial loss it entailed. But now the situation has improved, Mr Khan observed. Both the countries are looking for ways to increase cooperation.

The bus-link has already been established, and the revival of rail and air links is also on the cards. High-profile visits from both sides have helped reduce tension while a joint film venture has also been announced.

Besides, Mr Khan observed, there was no ban on dishes and video-centres that were selling Indian movies in every nook and corner of the country.

In these circumstances, it was illogical on the part of government to insist on the ban on Indian channels, he said. It could still, perhaps, defend the ban on news and propaganda channels but not on entertainment. All the cable operators want right now is the permission to air Star Plus and two movies a day. How would it affect the perceptions of Pakistanis about themselves, he asked.

There is no ban on any Pakistani channel in India and the Indian state minister has recently confirmed this in the parliament.

Later, speaking on the condition of anonymity, another leader of the cable operators claimed that some owners of local channels wanted the ban on Indian channels to continue for commercial reasons.