The cable operators have suspended their services in different areas of the country after unsuccessful dialogue with the government on the issue of Direct-To-Home (DTH) service.
They had decided to go on strike if the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) did not accept their demand of postponing the process of introducing the DTH service.
Earlier, a meeting presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Lahore, decided that the auction of DTH licences will be held as per schedule on Wednesday.
The meeting was also attended by Pakistan Broadcasters Association chairman, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority chairman and representatives of cable operators. The successful bidder would start its operation from November next year.
It was decided that the recommendation would be made to the prime minister that a high level committee be formed to review the matters of PBA and cable operators. This committee would present its recommendations to the prime minister.
On November 15, Cable Operators Association Chairman Khalid Arain had said that the launch of DTH was not justified since the cable operators have invested billions of rupees in converting the analogue cable system into the digital one. “It will also ruin their business and cause a huge economic loss.”
