Bringing back 2016 curbs, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has reintroduced a ban on Indian films and television shows being broadcast on Pakistan’s local channels. It was in 2016 that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had imposed a ban on airing Indian content on local television and FM radio channels. However, the Lahore High Court lifted ban in 2017, declaring it null and void as the Pakistan government had no objections regarding the same.
In the latest turn, the apex court was hearing a case filed by the United Producers Association pertaining to the broadcast of foreign content on Pakistani television channels. During the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar ordered a “shut down” and made it clear that authorities should “only air appropriate content”. The Chief Justice said, “They are trying to (obstruct the construction) of our dam and we cannot even ban their channels?” He was also of the view that Indian content on Pakistani TV channels as it “damages our culture”.