BAJAUR: The local authorities on Wednesday closed down four private FM radio stations in Bajaur tribal district for functioning illegally.

According to a notification issued by deputy commissioner Mohammad Fayyaz Khan, the district administration took the action after observing that the FM radio stations were not only functioning illegally but also broadcasting biased content. It said these FM radio stations were functioning without obtaining NOC from the information department.

Moreover, it claimed the locals had also often complained against these FM radio stations during meetings with the deputy commissioner and other officials of the administration.

“In view of the above, the district administration has decided to close four illegally-run FM radio stations with immediate effect in the best public interest,” the notification added.

The notification stated that any other illegal FM station functioning within the territorial limits of Bajaur was hereby ordered to be closed with immediate effect.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2021