The Lahore High Court on Wednesday declined request to stay immediately recovery of PTV fee through electricity bills.
LHC Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard the petition filed by the opposition leader in Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, challenging imposition of PTV fee through electricity bills and airing of objectionable material by cable operators.
During the hearing, a reply was filed on behalf of MD PTV submitting that PTV fee had been levied under Wireless Telegraphic Act 1933 and a Sindh High Court bench had already given decision in this regard in 1986.
However, the petitioner’s counsel Sheraz Zaka submitted that PTV fee was discriminatory and lacked justification.
But the court declined the request to stay the recovery and issued notices to the attorney general of Pakistan for assistance on how PTV fee can be levied on television apparatus whereas other wireless devices such as mobile phones, I-Pad ,wireless sets have been exempted from any levy.
The court adjourned further hearing till September 20.
