Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Monday directed the holders of non-commercial FM radio licensees to adhere to the scope and mandate of their respective FM radios. PEMRA has so far granted 28 non-commercial FM radio licenses across the country, mostly to the academic institutions offering Mass Communication. Besides, non-commercial FM radios licenses have also been given to Islamabad Traffic Police, Punjab Traffic Police, NHA and Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help create awareness among the masses on their respective subjects. However, there have been increasing complaints on the part of some non-commercial radios, as most of them were reportedly airing foreign music, entertainment or news which is otherwise not the scope of their license. PEMRA Chairman Dr Abdul Jabbar, in a meeting with the representatives of Islamabad Traffic Police, National Highway Authority, Fatima Jinnah Women University, International Islamic University, Riphah University, Dawah Academy, Allama Iqbal Open University and National University of Modern Languages Islamabad categorically asked them to operate within the defined scope of their license, failing which PEMRA shall reserve the right to revoke the license. PEMRA director general licensing, director general operations, general manager technical and assistant general managers legal were present in the meeting. STAFF REPORT
