Punjab Police refuse to cooperate with PEMRA
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 13 March 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
Punjab Police have declined to support PEMRA in dealing with Regal Star Cable Network, an illegal operator in Lahore. This refusal raises significant concerns about media freedom in Pakistan.Summary
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Police have refused to cooperate with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in taking action against an illegally operating powerful cable operator in Lahore.
The News reported Friday that Regal Star Cable Network is a defaulter of tens of millions of rupees to the PEMRA.
The report said that owner of the network was well-connected in the power corridors and was using pressure and threatening tactics to prevent legal action against him.
When under the PEMRA law, the authority raided the office of cable operator a few months back to seal the premises and confiscate equipment; Punjab Police helped the operator and rescued him forcefully, the report said.
The report said the network has also moved a petition in the Lahore High Court against PEMRA but it was rejected.
“On Thursday when PEMRA officials approached police in compliance with the LHC orders and formally moved an application in Faisal Town Police Station, police officials simply refused to cooperate,” it said.
Pakistan’s independent media is being controlled by few cable operators now and there is no one to help media and the regulatory authority because of vested interests, the report said.
Key Points
- Punjab Police refuse to cooperate with PEMRA
- Regal Star Cable Network owes tens of millions to PEMRA
- Legal action against cable operator thwarted by police
- Lahore High Court rejected network's petition against PEMRA
- Media independence undermined by powerful cable operators
Relevant Topics
Ask AI: Understand this story your way
AI EnabledDig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.
Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.
