PEMRA tells TV channels to follow IHC order on Ramzan guidelines

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 7 June 2017

PEMRA has reiterated that all satellite TV channels must comply with the June 5 order from the Islamabad High Court regarding Ramzan guidelines. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that paused any punitive action against non-compliant channels until the High Court issued further orders.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all satellite TV channels to follow the June 5 orders of Islamabad High Court on Ramzan guidelines.

PEMRA issued the guidelines on May 3 but the Supreme Court on May 31 stopped the regulator from taking any action against channels violating them.

The apex court was hearing a petition filed by Pakistan Broadcasters Association challenging the regulator’s guidelines. In its order the Supreme Court directed the Islamabad High Court to pass an appropriate order in this regard on June 5.

PEMRA had served show-cause notices on Geo Entertainment, Sindh TV, KTN and ARY Digital for violating the Ramzan guidelines before the PBA filed a petition in the Supreme Court.

In a release Tuesday, PEMRA reminded the channels that para 5(p) of the guidelines states that quiz/entertainment programs can be broadcast only after 9:00 pm while any such program cannot be aired at all during the last 10 days of Ramzan – from June 17 till the end of the holy month.

The regulator has also made it clear to the PBA that the Ramzan guidelines have to be followed in the light of the Islamabad High Court order.