SC orders PEMRA to restore channels on allotted numbers

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman to ensure transmissions and adjusting the numbers of all TV channels according to their ratings and criteria set by it (PEMRA).

A three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Ghulam Rabbani and Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday, had been hearing two identical petitions against the suspension of transmission of two private TV channels.

The court on August 13 had directed PEMRA Chairman Mushtaq Malik to immediately ensure the distribution of transmission of the two private TV channels while taking strict action against the cable operators for obstructing transmission of both the TV channels.

Transmission of both channels had been obstructed in some parts of Punjab and Sindh.

On Monday, the court during the hearing asked Muhammad Akram Sheikh, the petitioners’ counsel as to whether the objective had been achieved for restoring the transmission of the TV channels or not. Sheikh however replied in the negative.

The court then asked him to submit a detailed report before the court in writing.

The court also directed the PEMRA chairman to depute a focal person on cable operators to monitor the numbering of TV channels and their transmission without any discrimination. During the hearing, Malik also filed a written apology for not appearing in court on an earlier date, despite a contempt of court notice.