SC reinstates ban on airing of Indian content on TV channels

E-Paper | February 28, 2026

The Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday reinstated a ban on the transmission of Indian content on local television channels, setting aside an earlier verdict by the Lahore High Court (LHC).

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar was hearing a case filed by the United Producers Association pertaining to the broadcast of foreign content on Pakistani television channels in the SC Karachi registry today.

"They are trying to [obstruct the construction] of our dam and we cannot even ban their channels?" the top judge fumed as he ordered the broadcast of Indian shows to be "shut down" before adding that the authorities should "only air appropriate content".

In 2016, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had imposed a complete ban on airing Indian content on local television and FM radio channels.

The decision was largely seen as a tit-for-tat move after similar actions were taken by some channels and the entertainment industry in India against Pakistani content and artists.

In 2017, the LHC had lifted the Pemra-imposed ban, declaring it null and void as the federal government had no objections regarding the same.

Pakistan

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Abdullah

Oct 27, 2018 01:49pm

Ban Indian channels as well.

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kitkat

Oct 27, 2018 01:53pm

Good step. Next ban all news about India .and stop playing cricket with India.

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M. Saeed

Oct 27, 2018 01:56pm

Very good decision by the CJP. He should also forbid the airing of Indian filmi faces in advertisements made for various Pakistani products, as well.

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shahzad Khaliq

Oct 27, 2018 02:01pm

Give us alternate DTH ......

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ksl

Oct 27, 2018 02:07pm

ok fine this will be good for both countries

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Mobin

Oct 27, 2018 02:08pm

Good

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Oct 27, 2018 02:11pm

Good move, no more foreign channels who spread propaganda against our honorable army, judiciary and other institutions and favour some of their close associates and politicians. Also, we have to closely monitor some of our channels, selected anchors and politicians, who continuously malign our institutions and portray black picture of our country - we all know, who they are.

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M. Emad

Oct 27, 2018 02:13pm

Pakistan closing its door.

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Babu

Oct 27, 2018 02:18pm

Good. Avoid the garbage.

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Waseem Bahadur

Oct 27, 2018 02:19pm

@M. Emad closing doors of vulgarity, propaganda, cultural attack, ethics and so on? Yes then it’s a great decision. Which doors you want to open?

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Rubina

Oct 27, 2018 02:20pm

A very good order by CJP. I hope this will be implemented strongly this time. We have been tired of seeing Indian Stuff on all channels during prime time. It is not that I'm against Indian dramas as some are very good indeed but when open the TV, we should know that we are in Pakistan.

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Rubina

Oct 27, 2018 02:25pm

@kitkat Please don't get sarcastic. Lately there has been too much Indian stuff on our local Channels. I doubt if Pakistani stuff is even 50% of total Indian content that is being shown on Pakistani TV.

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Point blnk

Oct 27, 2018 02:34pm

Ban Indian muvies in cinemas if you have guts...

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Shampee

Oct 27, 2018 02:39pm

Ban morning shows, concert them to educational or moral building platforms.

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Syed

Oct 27, 2018 02:41pm

Good decision. Also ban all indian movie in pakistan which is the main revenue generating source for india

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Nisar Ahmed

Oct 27, 2018 02:42pm

Then why are you dying to play cricket with India when India doesn't want to play with you

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Oct 27, 2018 02:43pm

Great move by the wonderful Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Keep it up and hang on tough.

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Ajin Vincent

Oct 27, 2018 02:47pm

@Syed major source f income for Indian movies s pakistan market? Srsly? It wont even affect Indian movie industry

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Srini

Oct 27, 2018 02:53pm

Just curious to know , what will India loose in this regard?

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desi dimag

Oct 27, 2018 02:54pm

People will watch it on YouTube.

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Asif

Oct 27, 2018 03:01pm

Yes, get rid of all Indian channels, from now on only Chinese channels should be allowed

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Arshad

Oct 27, 2018 03:15pm

Excellent move with perfect timing and should be calculated move. Keep it up and be confident and firm on this decision

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A.Ali

Oct 27, 2018 03:21pm

Well done...

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Philosopher (From Japan)

Oct 27, 2018 03:23pm

Good decision.

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Umair Farooqi

Oct 27, 2018 03:25pm

Stop showing indian movies.

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Jjacky

Oct 27, 2018 03:30pm

@Ajin Vincent on the contrary pakistani cinemas are surviving on ondian movies.

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Nasir

Oct 27, 2018 03:38pm

Brilliant decision.

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SajjadX

Oct 27, 2018 03:38pm

Ban indian movies on busses as well.

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Devendra

Oct 27, 2018 03:40pm

Will this help?

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Asif Qadri

Oct 27, 2018 03:45pm

Why did CJP did not ban showing of Indian movies? These should also be banned forthwith.

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Khan

Oct 27, 2018 03:49pm

Ban channels on dish service as well

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Ehsan

Oct 27, 2018 03:52pm

@Babu to what?

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Imran

Oct 27, 2018 03:55pm

We should at least allow a maximum of 20% foreign content on our TV channels. Shutting down ourselves from the rest of the world is not the answer in today’s globalised society.

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NACParis

Oct 27, 2018 04:07pm

Pakistani channels are much better and more interesting than Indians therefore should be banned permanently.

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Gulzar

Oct 27, 2018 04:08pm

Good news

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Ravi

Oct 27, 2018 04:15pm

Please ban News about India also in media.

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spearmint

Oct 27, 2018 04:20pm

For the first time, I want to thank CJP. So many ads made in India are aired regularly on Pakistani TV. These need to be banned. Any company that approaches Indian models or advertisers must be fined and such content banned from airing.

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Satya prasad

Oct 27, 2018 04:38pm

Not sure if this will help anyone.

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Oct 27, 2018 04:46pm

But why is there so much demand for Indian contents in the first place. No one wants to know!

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dipak

Oct 27, 2018 04:48pm

Indian culture is deeply Penetrated and can't be stopped . Industries are survived due to hindi movies.

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Sham

Oct 27, 2018 05:02pm

It should include Indian adds made in India by local companies or MNCs

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Salahuddin

Oct 27, 2018 05:05pm

More than imposing ban we need to educate our masses about the cultural assault waged by inimical states .willful rejection by the people is durable counter

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Haider

Oct 27, 2018 05:13pm

@Waseem Bahadur Excellent... well said!

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Oct 27, 2018 05:14pm

All the folks hailing the decision here would be searching for the Indian content on the other browser tab..

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Love Pakistan

Oct 27, 2018 05:17pm

@shahzad Khaliq . Their channels haven’t got anything interesting so don’t know why you want alternatives. Our channels have far superior quality dramas and programmes

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Amit Gaikwad

Oct 27, 2018 05:22pm

@Asif superb

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Ali

Oct 27, 2018 05:25pm

BAN all Indian content in Print n Electronic media. But who will make sure from ARY HUM GEO etc...

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Anil

Oct 27, 2018 05:27pm

Forbidden fruit is always sweet

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Momin

Oct 27, 2018 05:31pm

Pakistanis will watch all content illegally. Why not ban bollywood songs in parties and functions?

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abdullah

Oct 27, 2018 05:33pm

Ban them.....

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Adi

Oct 27, 2018 05:34pm

We should ban our own news channels as well as most of these are just spreading non-sense and negativity.

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RAI

Oct 27, 2018 05:36pm

Now would be a good time to ban all Pakistani artists from performing in India.

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bhaRAT©

Oct 27, 2018 05:37pm

"only air appropriate content". But there is nothing "appropriate" apart from anti-Pakistan propaganda!

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Oct 27, 2018 06:00pm

Great decision by The CJ. We must protect our culture. Indian content or channels should not be aired here. They don't air our content or channels. We must be nationalistic. It's high time!

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Ahsan Gul

Oct 27, 2018 06:05pm

Very good decision by SC to enforce ban on Indian stuff on our medid. What is wrong with our public to watch their movies and by their stuff when India has no good intentions for Pakistan? Love our country Pakistan.

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sajjad choudhry

Oct 27, 2018 06:06pm

Well done and well said ……..keep it up

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Jawwad

Oct 27, 2018 06:28pm

I am shocked how come other Indian content continue to feature in Pakistan. They mistreat our cricketers, actors, singers and what not.

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Neo

Oct 27, 2018 06:28pm

@Nisar Ahmed. Because they haven't fulfilled their agreement. Money is owed to Pakistan.

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Bilal aus

Oct 27, 2018 06:31pm

Salute !

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Oct 27, 2018 06:33pm

What are Indians fuming about? They banned our artists and never even ever aired Pakistani channels in India. Atleast Pakistan tried.

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harish

Oct 27, 2018 06:35pm

All criticizing here will secretly go and watch these very shows.

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Bajake Thokde

Oct 27, 2018 06:37pm

Judge sahab try banning Indian Movies in theaters. Take it as a dare. Looking forward.

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Ankit

Oct 27, 2018 06:37pm

Good move..Please also ban the artiest from your side who is coming to India for fame and money...

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Joy

Oct 27, 2018 06:43pm

@NACParis If Pakistani content is better, then people will automatically watch it over outside content, and people are wise enough to make their own decisions, banning things basically says you don't trust the people at large with their choices. Piracy and criminal behavior increases with banning things which ultimately harms the country.

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Moby Moby

Oct 27, 2018 06:51pm

This is why a judge should not make policy. How will this impact India at all? And what does this have to do with dams.

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Just Saying

Oct 27, 2018 06:51pm

Doesn't Pakistan do this every few years or so? What was the outcome of all the previous bans?

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Asif

Oct 27, 2018 07:01pm

What concerns me is that this is a policy decision that should rest with the Executive Branch of the Government. Not through the courts. Courts should only be allowed to hear cases in which a crime against current penal code or any other subversion of rights enshrined in our Constitution. I therefore also have trouble with how suo-moto actions are taken on the same principle.

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Khan USA

Oct 27, 2018 07:07pm

Good job !

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Khan USA

Oct 27, 2018 07:08pm

Ban this nonsense forever for all !

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Aqua

Oct 27, 2018 07:26pm

Mian Saqib Nisar sir please ban Indian movies as well.

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Mir

Oct 27, 2018 07:37pm

Pls ban Indian channel, as they didn't allow our channels in India even they didn't show our movie.....

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Chanakya

Oct 27, 2018 08:02pm

Go to entertainment page of DAWN and see how much bollywood is there, this shows Pakistan cannot put a realistic ban on Indian content.

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raj

Oct 27, 2018 08:32pm

as a Indian i fully support this.

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Nisar Ahmed

Oct 27, 2018 08:46pm

@Neo their is not any agreement their is only an Mou and Mou is not an agreement go and study in law the meaning of mou

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Garib Awam ki_Awaz

Oct 27, 2018 08:50pm

No more Indian rubbish on our TV screen please!

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Javed

Oct 27, 2018 08:54pm

Very good move. Thank you.

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Aravind

Oct 27, 2018 08:58pm

I thought it was already banned in Pakistan. Indians are not going to lose anything by the banning.

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Anonymouseeeee

Oct 27, 2018 08:59pm

Let the ban stay in place. India has shown nothing but hostility towards us. Besides, it’s better for our kids if we stay away from Indian vulgar contents.

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Tahir

Oct 27, 2018 09:01pm

Good decision. Since Indian TV channels don’t air Pakistani content, so we should do the same. No need for confidence-building, because India is in no mood for that.

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Sarwat

Oct 27, 2018 09:06pm

Excellent move. It was destroying our culture. But at the same time, don't want mullah stuff on the screen all the time as well.

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New Pakistan

Oct 27, 2018 09:10pm

Good decision sir

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Dr.M.M.Khan

Oct 27, 2018 09:11pm

It seems the CJ is running the country. He is so. good that it is a pity he is going to retire soon.

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sultan ahmed

Oct 27, 2018 09:13pm

Courts can interpret the law and government decisions. They cannot take executive role and pass rules. Then, what for the Government and Parliament ?

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Jahanzaib

Oct 27, 2018 09:31pm

Yes, there should be like educational sessions, cummunication skills and many more things ...our young generation are wasting time to see such thing

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SAK

Oct 27, 2018 09:42pm

Bravo! we're fully supported chief justice of Pakistan move.

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hreedesh dhiraj

Oct 27, 2018 09:44pm

I think Pakistani actors, singers should also not work in Indian movies.

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Changez Khan

Oct 27, 2018 10:07pm

Excellent move by CJP. Good job.

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Ajit

Oct 27, 2018 10:09pm

@Syed huh?! India's main revenue is from showing its films in Pakistan? Brother, you need a serious lesson in geopolitical finance.. :)

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Rationalbabu

Oct 27, 2018 10:09pm

@Garib Awam ki_Awaz: Why don't people simply switch channels?

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Rehmat Ali

Oct 27, 2018 10:33pm

Some Pakistani popular products ads cast all Indians in it and is aired every day.Supreme court must intervene and asked the channel/ producer of the ad to present these casts before court if they are Pakistani and present in Pakistan. This practice is being carried since many years and no check.

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vorshal

Oct 27, 2018 10:53pm

Bad JUDGEMENT!

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Abdul Khaliq

Oct 27, 2018 11:09pm

Thank you Mr. Chief for having needful measures against Indian channels. We should step forward in other lines too.

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El Cid

Oct 27, 2018 11:42pm

Excellent decision CJP. With wise and incorruptible men like you and PM Khan, Pakistan is in good hands. Paks can hope again. Pakistan can be great again.

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Abhishek

Oct 27, 2018 11:49pm

Please ban indian movies also in cinema

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Atul

Oct 28, 2018 12:08am

Only the judge can tell in what way India is obstructing the construction of dams..it’s a news for me

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Oct 28, 2018 12:23am

Banning of media and channels is neither democratic nor in the interest of the public’s rights. The courts or the government does not have the right to prevent the people from reading or watching whatever they want. In the end, such restrictions don’t work anyway

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Dawn

Oct 28, 2018 12:26am

Great move. Ban everything Indian including Bollywoodies on billboards and other ads.

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Zak

Oct 28, 2018 12:34am

Finally a Judge who shows justice and understanding of Indian agenda

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El Cid

Oct 28, 2018 12:42am

Good job CJP. A permanent ban on everything India would best.

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Anjan Majumdar

Oct 28, 2018 02:36am

All channels and contents should be monitored and cleared by the only organisation we trust & respect. We were better off when PTV was the only channel. We should protest against the enemy funded channels and ban them. The CJP should take action against them and put heavy fines/jail sentences if there are violations.

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Saad

Oct 28, 2018 03:09am

Whoever is calling this brilliant decision are sick in head. The ego on either side will not do any good. Let’s try to open up and bridge the gap. A good gesture from us will influence the hearts across the border. We have more commonalities than differences. Why we always think that showing flexibility will prove that we are weak? Are we having a complex? I personally wish for peace, good relations with neighbors countries and prosperity for all

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Prateek

Oct 28, 2018 03:37am

lmao what logic is that !!! india and pak should completely break all relations and recall envoys. India has nothing to gain with it anyway. It's not like our economy is crumbling

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Pakistani

Oct 28, 2018 03:53am

Complete ban would be the correct thing.

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P. S. Natarajan

Oct 28, 2018 04:56am

Why not break the diplomatic ties with India as well ?

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Kamran

Oct 28, 2018 06:25am

It makes little difference. All contents available online for free or through IPTV box.

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Mark

Oct 28, 2018 06:49am

Going back two steps a day. Bad economy and increasing hostility towards neighbour. This insulation from modernity and openness is the bane of Pak.

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Oct 28, 2018 07:03am

@Syed Very funny

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R K HASTIR

Oct 28, 2018 07:17am

@Ajit how much Sayed you will deal.

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Krishna Chaitanya

Oct 28, 2018 07:23am

@Syed Pakistan doesn't even have 200 cinema halls and you call revenue generating big market. Open your mind first before closing other senses.

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LAHORI KID

Oct 28, 2018 07:28am

To take away the freedom to watch what we please is not democracy your honor. The dam has nothing to do with what people watch

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Balbeer

Oct 28, 2018 07:48am

This action will certainly build dams and who knows rivers too. Obviously intellectual growth has clearly stifled in Pakistan. Probably IMF will teach them some lessons. If not, they always have option to become an autonomous region of China, the greater Xinjiang. Pakistanis will make great student(talib an) at the Chinese re-education camps.

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Deepak Talwar

Oct 28, 2018 07:59am

Who in Pakistan has the authority on such matters, the CJP or the Government ? Is this a legal issue ? Clearly the CJP has over stepped.

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Jjacky

Oct 28, 2018 10:26am

I hope now CJP will be in a position to build the dams in pakistan easily.

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Sujal Ochani

Oct 28, 2018 11:22am

I want to give u suggestion ... Plz don't ban the channels because ba ning the channels is not the solution of the problem.... we all are waiting for the channels to be back again .. Please SHC lift the ban and try to solve the problem in peaceful manner . I am sorry if I had said something wrong . Kindly lift the ban

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Aurora

Oct 28, 2018 12:02pm

Is ban a solution for speedy development or a declaration of individual's whim ? Indian industry does not depend on Pak audience but Pak cinema owners may loose their bread &butter instead.

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Kashif Aziz Awan

Oct 28, 2018 05:23pm

right decision at right time...!! should be permanent.

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karan

Oct 28, 2018 06:22pm

Indian shows are running all over the world. This will not make any difference

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md.osman gani

Oct 28, 2018 06:56pm

Good,nice,universal decision,thank u PSC.

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Global Peace

Oct 28, 2018 07:29pm

,Sir Does CJP knows about Indus Water Treaty? I doubt.

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daniel Sargo

Oct 28, 2018 09:12pm

Ban is an obsolete tool in the present day context. In an age of internet one can always find a way to watch what one wants to watch. There is this unending cyber world where all these contents can be found and watched and the writ of Supreme Court of Pakistan do not run there.

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madan bhatia

Oct 28, 2018 11:04pm

Sad decision for the public in Pakistan.

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Bharti

Oct 29, 2018 12:08am

Mean while Supreme Court in India giving landmark verdicts at par to a progressive Indian society.

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Proud Indian American

Oct 29, 2018 12:11am

@Asif That is funny

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Proud Indian American

Oct 29, 2018 12:12am

@Love Pakistan Then why ban. Let them compete. Let the superior channels win

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Guest

Oct 29, 2018 01:20am

@Zak "Finally a Judge who shows justice and understanding of Indian agenda" Also protecting Pakistan from the barbaric culture of India.

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YSaeed

Oct 29, 2018 01:44am

@Asif -- I an no fan of Indian telecasts, movies or whatever, but I am confused. Who is in charge here? Doesn't this kind of decision falls under the purview of the executive branch? Who elected the Supreme Court to make foreign policy decisions?

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Love Pakistan

Oct 29, 2018 02:16am

@Ajin Vincent I am not sure why Indians are getting insecure about this decision if they think it’s not going to affect them. We have made the decision in our benefit. Our country our rules. Well done Mr CJ Nisar Sb.

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Khalid iqbal

Oct 29, 2018 03:27am

I think Pakistan TV is doing a great job , and our culture and beliefs are different from Hinduism , so there is no need to see Indian dramas , Indians should stop killing Muslims just for the sin of eating cow meat, maybe we can then think .No country in the world has imposed a ban on eating cow meat , but in India you will be risking your life if you do so .

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Oct 29, 2018 04:52am

thank you CJP. put this in place for good ! we don't want indian content as its leading pakistan media towards obscenity as well.

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ROHIT PANDEY

Oct 29, 2018 05:18am

I hope Pakistanis learn the habit of reading good books with an OPEN CRITICAL mind. This would be a good time to start with distracting movies out of the way?

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Oct 29, 2018 05:25am

I would be the first person to ban their content, it is offensive and below our social values. I fully support the CJ and every one who does not see any Indian film/tv and does not listen to their radio.

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R S Chakravarti

Oct 29, 2018 07:22am

@ga Fuming? Not here in these comments, they're just laughing at you!

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Aimal

Oct 29, 2018 07:29am

@Love Pakistan So why not people should be given the choice to switch off the channels that he or she does not like. In any democracy, people should have the right to make choices. If the judge respect the constitution then he should not restrict the rights of the people.

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Uncle Sam

Oct 29, 2018 07:38am

Good decision. Now stick to it.

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