The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Saturday announced its decision to ban all ‘illegal’ Indian channels across the nation from October 15, ANI reported.
The regulatory body has also warned TV channels and distribution networks of strict action if they fail to follow the directions post-October 15.
Bollywood films and Indian television shows are widely popular across the entire neighbouring country with cinema halls witnessing a heavy footfall on the release of fresh Bollywood flicks.
According to PEMRA, the decision was taken after receiving numerous complaints on illegal Indian content being aired on satellite TV channels.
The ban comes amid a fresh escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan with both the countries trading allegations and counter-allegations against each other. The Line of Control that divides the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir between the two neighbours has witnessed recurring spells of shelling and firing from both sides.
Prior to PEMRA’s decision, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) decided to prohibit Pakistani actors and technicians from working on Bollywood sets.
According to a Hindustan Times report, besides banning “illegal Indian content”, PEMRA has also cracked down on beaming of Indian channels on illegal direct-to-home (DTH) platforms in the country.
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