ISLAMABAD: After launching a crackdown against local electronic channels, FM radios, cable operators and those selling Indian DTH, Pemra wants that only those channels be allowed to use the platform of PAKSAT which have obtained approval for landing rights.

“We have written a letter to Suparco to streamline the process so that only those channels that have approval for landing rights from Pemra can use their platform,” Absar Alam, the Pemra chairman, said at a press conference on Tuesday.

As the deadline set by Pemra for all television channels, FM radios and cable operators to follow the foreign content limit and traders selling Indian DTH expired on Oct 15, a nationwide crackdown was initiated by the Authority.

The law allows only 10 per cent foreign content in 24 hours, out of which the Indian content must not exceed 6pc.

“We are conducting an inquiry into the total time allocated to foreign content, mainly Indian shows, by these channels.”

If the inquiry revealed that these channels had crossed the foreign content limit, their licences would be suspended.

Regarding action taken against Indian DTH over the past two days, the Pemra chairman said it was a serious issue because billions of rupees were at stake.

The Pemra chairman appealed to the rich to stop subscribing to Indian DTH as it was illegal. “I appeal to the residents of DHA and Cantonment areas to discontinue subscription of Indian DTH.”

PAKISTANI DTH: In reply to a question about the bidding process for Pakistani DTH, he said another seven companies had applied to be a part of the bidding process. “We will have open and transparent auction of three DTH licences for the country.”

ALLEGATIONS AGAINST LEGISLATORS: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information has decided to summon the management and the anchor persons of two news channels for airing allegations against members of parliament.

Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla also directed the ministry of information to complete consultation process with media organisations over ‘Media Protection and Welfare Bill’.

Published in Dawn October 19th, 2016