Lahore High Court has given permission to private television channels, having valid licences, to screen Indian films as per their terms of agreements with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).
The court also sought reply from the federal government pertaining to ban on Indian dramas on Pakistani TVs. The order was issued by Lahore High Court Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.
The ban imposed on airing Indian content on cable television network was challenged by Leo Communication. The petitioner-company maintained the government was indulging in “selective patriotism” as Indian movies had been allowed to be screened all over the country but not on television.
Cheif Justice granted the permission to air films on private channels in a report that states “television channels are allowed to air Indian films as per clause 7.2 (ii) of Licence to Establish and Operate Satellite TV Broadcast Channel Station.”
A Pemra’s counsel had contended that the permission would be subject to terms and conditions of the licence under the Pemra Ordinance, 2002. The Chief Justice will resume further hearing on March 2.