Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Wednesday (March 16, 2011) issued a show cause notice to BBC Urdu for what it says publishing a misleading advertisement in the daily newspapers on March 15 and March 16 2011, inviting general public to listen its services through FM Radio networks across the country.
"The show cause notice explicitly states that BBC Urdu service does not possess any licence for FM Radio in Pakistan. Notwithstanding, indulgence of BBC Urdu Service in any such activity is in contravention to Section 19(2) of Pemra Ordinance as amended by the Parliament vide Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007 which prohibits any person or company from running a broadcast media or distribution service without obtaining a licence from Pemra. BBC Urdu Service has been warned to refrain from indulging in any such illegal activity in future.,"-PR