JournalismPakistan.com | Published 9 years ago
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD - The government of former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz allowed private TV channels to telecast foreign content, including Indian dramas, the National Assembly was told on Wednesday.
Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Reshid (pictured) told the house that in the light of terms of satellite TV license, private channels are allowed to telecast foreign content up to a maximum of 10%.
The minister was replying to a question of PMLN legislator Shakeela Luqman about authorizing private channels to telecast foreign dramas/plays and other content and the justification to allow private channels to telecast Indian dramas.
Of the 10% foreign content, the minister said 4% may be in English and 6% in Urdu may be Indian or other content.
Giving background to allowing private TV channels to telecast foreign dramas, the minister said in 2006, then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz directed PEMRA and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to frame rules to allow Pakistani channels a percentage of Indian content. Subsequently, he added in compliance with the policy directives, PEMRA in its meeting on 25 February 2006 allowed 6% of the overall content (Indian) to private satellite TV channels.
November 09, 2025: Pakistanâs media reels under layoffs, censorship, and union silence as journalists face attacks, fake news, and closures, deepening a nationwide media crisis.
November 08, 2025: JournalismPakistan.com launches its new tagline, Linking Journalism Worldwide, reflecting global expansion beyond Pakistan with Asia, World, and Middle East coverage.
November 08, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Iqbal Jaidi passes away in Shorkot after a long illness. Friends remember his humor, humility, and lifelong dedication to journalism.
November 07, 2025: JournalismPakistan.com launches a Middle East section to expand regional reporting. New coverage will follow JPâs editorial SOPsâverification, balanced sourcing, and two-stage review.
November 07, 2025: Russia accuses Pakistanâs Frontier Post of anti-Russia bias; the paper defends press freedom and independence. A diplomatic clash over media narratives.
November 07, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Chaudhry bids farewell to Express News after 18 years on Kal Tak, marking the end of an era in Pakistani television journalism.
November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tararâs job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.
November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.
November 11, 2025 British journalist Sami Hamdi was released from US ICE detention after visa revocation, highlighting risks to cross-border journalism and press freedom.
November 11, 2025 IJAS condemns rising attacks and threats against journalists in Serbia and calls for urgent investigations, police accountability, and stronger protection for media freedom.
November 10, 2025 In Europe, 32 of 51 journalist killings remain unresolved, exposing a crisis of impunity and threatening media freedom across the continent.
November 09, 2025 Apply now for the Al Jazeera Media Instituteâs 2025 Fellowship, fully funded for journalists and researchers to advance global media innovation in Doha.
November 09, 2025 Ahead of Indiaâs National Press Day, experts urge the media to strengthen its role as democracyâs fourth pillar amid AI, social media, and freedom-of-expression challenges.