ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Thursday urged the Cable TV Industry Association members not to press ahead with their strike call rather join hands with the authority in promoting and strengthening the domestic broadcast industry.

A spokesman for Pemra expressed regrets over the position taken by the office-bearers of the Cable TV Association regarding the Pakistani channels. He said the ban on certain channels was imposed to provide the upcoming Pakistani broadcast a level- playing field to be become a flourishing industry.

The Pemra spokesman said it was highly unfortunate that the friendly steps should be seen in a different context.

He emphasised that the protection given to the local media broadcast industry would enable it find a niche for itself in the regional context.

The spokesman said Pemra had always endeavoured to promote and facilitate the growth of Pakistan’s newly emerging private sector broadcast in the country.

He strongly dispelled the impression that Pemra was forthcoming in not resolving the interests of cable TV industry. Pemra was equally concerned about the problems being faced by the cable TV industry and was endeavouring to solve them too.

He said the issue of tariff determination for foreign channels had been taken up earnestly and the matter was opened for public debate. In a few days time public hearing will be held before finalizing it, he added.

The spokesman urged the Cable TV industry Association members to join hands with Pemra in promoting and strengthening the domestic broadcast Industry which was coming in a big way.