Closure of any licensed channel is unlawful, violates basic rights: PBA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) said any closure of a licensed channel on cable networks without following due course of law is unlawful and violates basic rights given under the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.PBA, in its statement with reference to PEMRA’s notification regarding closure of licensed channels on cable networks said, PBA members are all PEMRA licensees.Freedom of speech and the right to information are basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan, PBA said and demanded that PEMRA and the Government of Pakistan ensure that no lawful licensed channel should be taken off air without following the given procedures under the law.PBA also demanded that any such violation of its members’ legal rights to broadcast must be immediately addressed.It may be noted here that having failed to get its order for restoration of Geo Network’s all channels in 24 hours implemented, the government’s official regulator for the electronic media has asked the provincial governments to direct their police to help it enforce its directive in different parts of the country.The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had warned cable operators on Monday that their licenses would be terminated if Geo TV channels’ transmissions were not resumed. The authority also suspended Lahore and Karachi licences of two cable operators – World Call and Wateen Media – for the same offence. These operators played hide and seek with the authority by resuming the transmission for a while but again suspending it.Along with the letter, Pemra has also shared details of its zonal officials with the provincial authorities. Now Pemra is all set to get its laws implemented with the help of provincial police departments.On Monday, the Pemra stated that it had not ordered suspension or change of position of any channel. "Suspension of any licensed TV channel is a violation of Pemra rules, hence all the cable operators are informed to ensure transmission of channels licensed by the Pemra on cable TV networks," the statement read.The regulatory body has also kicked off action against cable operators involved in violation of its rules, it added. It directed cable operators to restore all Geo TV channels on their actual positions within 24 hours.

from The News International - National https://ift.tt/2Iwy4P8