Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday issued orders for preemptive action to be taken within two days against all cable operators broadcasting foreign media, saying “these people will air obscene content on Eid”.
During a hearing regarding the broadcast of foreign content on local TV channels, which took place in the Supreme Court’s Karachi registry,
the chief justice was informed by
the additional attorney general that there were currently 38 licenced entertainment TV channels in Pakistan out of which 23 regularly air foreign content.
According to a report presented before the court, 10 percent of the shows aired by TV channels are allowed to be foreign.
The CJP mentioned the names of two private channels that air Indian content frequently.
“The cable operators also show Indian movies the entire day,” he said.
“Why doesn’t Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) conduct an inquiry into this matter?” the chief justice questioned.
To this, the PEMRA chairman said, “We do initiate investigations but the cable operators always obtain stay orders from the high courts.” Justice Nisar ordered all high courts to wrap up any pending cases regarding broadcasting of foreign content within 10 days.
Published in Daily Times, June 10th 2018.
