Pervaiz orders uninterrupted transmission of all channels

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid has said that it is the right of viewers to watch their favorite channel on television.

The minister was chairing a meeting of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator Authority (PEMRA) here on Tuesday evening.

The meeting was attended by acting Chairman PEMRA Pervez Rathore, DG Licensing, Head of Legal and GM Operations.

Rashid directed to ensure restoration of all TV channels at their original position and ensure their uninterrupted transmission.

“The government fully believes in freedom of speech,” the minister asserted, adding that PEMRA and cable operators have no power to deprive viewers of their right to watch the channel of their choice.

The government will ensure freedom of media, Pervaiz Rashid vowed.

The acting PEMRA chairman assured that transmission of all TV channels would be restored to their original positions, adding that strict action would be taken against the cable operators who violate the rule of law.

IHC order

Earlier on Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the cable operators to resume Geo network’s transmission by midnight.

IHC judge Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui was hearing the case and ordered the authorities to suspend the license of those cable operators who are not broadcasting Geo Network channels on their respective cable networks.

The judge further remarked that if PEMRA authorities are unable to implement the court’s orders on cable operators then they should go home.

The judge stated that the court has to safeguard all the institutions following the constitution. It was further said that the current situation is the result of PEMRA’s incompetence.