IHC Extends Stay Against Issuance Of TV Licenses

Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday extended its stay order till May 30, against the issuance of new television (TV) licenses by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2019 ) :Islamabad High Court (IHC) Wednesday extended its stay order till May 30, against the issuance of new television (TV) licenses by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

On the outset of hearing, Chief Justice Athar Minallah said why PEMRA wanted to issue more tv licenses rather regulating the existing channels.

"What was going on the TV shows? Is PEMRA fulfilling its responsibilities?" he questioned.

The chief justice asked whether the PEMRA's step was affecting basic human rights related to information.

PEMRA's lawyer told the bench that 181 companies had participated in the bid, however, 58 were issued licenses against Rs5.8 million and 42 were reluctant to pay initial 15% money due to 'stay order'.

However, the counsel for Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) pleaded that the purpose of PEMRA was just to collect the money.

The petitioner said there was only a limit of 80 TV channels in the country but the department had issued licenses to 119 channels.

The bench adjourned the hearing of the case till May 30.