CJP prohibits cable operators from airing foreign content on Eid

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar on Saturday passed an order prohibiting the cable operators from airing and broadcasting foreign content on the occasion of Eid. “These people will air obscene content on Eid,” said CJP.

The order was passed during a hearing regarding the broadcast of foreign content on local TV channels at Supreme Court’s Karachi registry. The additional attorney general informed the CJP that there are currently 38 licensed entertainment TV channels in Pakistan out of which 23 regularly air foreign content

A report was submitted to the court by the government in which the court was informed that the channels are only permitted to air 10 per cent of the shows containing foreign content.

“Hum TV airs Indian shows all day long,” Justice Nisar noted in agreement, adding that Geo also airs 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?” CJP asked in exasperation.

PEMRA chairman, while responding to the query, said,”We do initiate investigations but the cable operators always obtain stay orders from the high court.”

The CJP ordered all high courts to wrap up any pending cases regarding broadcasting of foreign content within 10 days.