KARACHI, May 12: Some amendments are being introduced in the law so as to enable Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to technically implement its role as a regulator. This was stated by PEMRA Chairman Iftikhar Rashid here on Wednesday.

He was speaking as chief guest at a seminar on “Modernization of cable TV industry and its responsibilities” organised at a hotel under the auspices of PEMRA Sindh region.

The PEMRA chairman clarified on the occasion that the amendments in the law were not meant to ‘chase’ the cable operators.

He also urged the cable operators to exercise what he termed as self-regulation, observe law and fulfil their responsibilities towards the society.

Mr Rashid was of the view that the primary role of the PEMRA was to facilitate the media in a healthy manner.

He said it was our desire to facilitate the electronic media as far as possible and that efforts were being undertaken to make the procedure simple for the electronic media.

The PEMRA chief announced that a representative of the cable operators would be inducted on the council of complaints as had been demanded by the Cable Operators Association of Pakistan (CAP).

He further stated that the PEMRA would pursue a uniform policy for all the media and that there would be no injustice with anyone.

Mr Rashid informed that the KESC had agreed in principle to introduce uniform rates for the cable operators of Karachi like that of other parts of the country.

He said that we were working on as to which foreign entertainment channels- whether Indians or others, be extended permission.

The PEMRA chief pointed out that the cable operators had a role towards the dissemination of information and contributing towards moulding the public opinion.

Mr Rashid asked them to show those programmes that were in accordance with our social, cultural and religious values.

He said Islamic teachings emphasize the need of adopting moderation.

The Regional General Manager of PEMRA, Rana Altaf Majid, presented the welcome address.

An engineer, Haroon Zafar, pointed out that more than 30 million dollars’ investment was expected from some companies in the cable network industry.

Another engineer Asim Bajwa, talked about the internet protocol television.

Sameer Hoodbhoy suggested that the students be also involved in the production of programmes.

He also called for introducing the local television channels in Karachi.

The Chairman of Mass Communication Department, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Tahir Masood, urged the cable operators to fulfil their national and moral responsibilities.

He was of the view that the electronic media had become more powerful than the print media.—APP