PEMRA chairman briefed over ongoing crackdown on illegal Indian DTH in Gujranwala

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Chairman Muhammad Saleem Baig Thursday visited Regional Office Gujranwala.

He was given briefing about the operational activities, licensing, enforcement and recovery status in region. He was briefed on the ongoing crackdown being carried out by PEMRA Field Staff for the last two weeks in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies including Federal Investigation Agency, Customs Intelligence, Police and Rangers, against the illegal Indian DTH in the country. During this crackdown a large number of illegal equipment has been seized including 992 Satellite Receivers, 4900 Low-Noise Block down converter (LNB) and 130 Dish Antennas.

He applauded the efforts of PEMRA Field Staff and directed to continue the crackdown and enforcement drive more effectively against sale/purchase of illegal Indian DTH, C-Line and Jadoo Box and associated activities so that no room could be left for those indulged in this illegal business.

He further stressed upon strict compliance of orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, as illegal proliferation of Indian DTH is not only damaging the social, cultural and religious values of our society but also causing huge financial loss to the country’s exchequer.

During visit, the PEMRA chairman also held meeting with the representatives of the cable operators of Gujranwala and asked them to strictly comply with the orders of Supreme court of Pakistan with regard to Indian content and to operate within the legal ambit, as any illegal activity will be responded by strict action by PEMRA.

He emphasized that the Cable Operators should play their role in creating awareness among the masses especially by relying the public service messages on pressing issues, such as Dam Fund, Clean Green Pakistan and Traffic laws which play a pivotal role in making of a socially responsible society.

Moreover, he assured to, address all the fair demands of Cable TV Operators and take measure to make the industry flourish.

While talking to officials at Regional Office Gujranwala, PEMRA chairman asked them to ensure an open door policy for regular communication with all stakeholders and adopt all possible means for imparting facilitation and support to the licensees within the ambit of law by keeping PEMRA’s interest supreme.

He was accompanied by Director General Operation Muhammad Farooq, General Manager Operations Muhammad Tahir, Secretary to the Authority Fakhar-ud-Din Mughal and other officials of PEMRA.