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Lahore High Court allows Indian films to air on TV

Lahore High Court allows Indian films to air on TV

The chief justice issued a written order on a petition challenging the ban on the broadcast of Indian content on TV.
14 Feb, 2017

The Lahore High Court chief justice has allowed private television channels, having valid licences, to show Indian movies as per terms of their agreements with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah granted the permission in the light of Pemra’s report that states that television channels were allowed to air Indian films as per clause 7.2 (ii) of Licence to Establish and Operate Satellite TV Broadcast Channel Station.

The chief justice issued a written order of a last week hearing on a petition of M/s Leo Communication and others challenging the ban on the broadcast of Indian content on the televisions.

The authority’s counsel had contended that the permission would be subject to terms and conditions of the licence under the Pemra Ordinance, 2002.

The counsel for the petitioners had argued the channels should also be allowed to broadcast Indian plays as they also fell within the definition of “entertainment” under the licence agreement.

However, the Pemra’s counsel contested the argument and sought time to establish that the “entertainment” did not include Indian plays. He said the channels were allowed to run Indian films as per terms of their licence agreements.

The chief justice would resume further hearing on March 2.

M/S Leo Communication had filed the petition assailing a circular issued by Pemra on Oct 19, 2016, for being ultra vires of the authority’s rules and the Constitution.

The petitioner-company in 2010 was granted a 15-year licence by Pemra to operate a cable channel, “Filmazia”.

It said the government was indulging in “selective patriotism” as Indian movies had been allowed to be screened all over the country but not on television.

Originally published in Dawn February 14th, 2017

Comments

Balaji Feb 14, 2017 09:48am
Pakistan artists banned in India wouldn't be lifted anytime soon though.
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D.K.PAMNANI Feb 14, 2017 09:50am
Welcome step. Both India and Pakistan Governments should allow showing each other's movies and Serials for betterment of relations and culture.
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Raheel Feb 14, 2017 09:56am
Can we please see Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Dangal now?
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Usman Feb 14, 2017 10:19am
Last night everyone was blaming India and now in the morning we want to watch Indian movies ... How hypocrite we are ............ :-(
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A Feb 14, 2017 10:30am
Better sense prevailed, finally
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Alexey Feb 14, 2017 10:32am
I hope this decision solves all our problems!
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sherdad Feb 14, 2017 10:47am
whats going on is very upsetting... IHC issued orders to place an embargo on V Day which is of course not worth celebrating & then comes the LHC with historical judgement..!!! O' Judges...wish I could have this much time :)
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Sarfraz Feb 14, 2017 11:05am
A big WHY?
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sATT Feb 14, 2017 11:07am
Ban Indian contents..but my mouth is saying this not my eyes.
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Yusuf Khan Feb 14, 2017 11:08am
Entertainment Industries (TV and Movies) of both the countries must be integrated in terms of actors, writers and Directors and should be kept away from all politics. This way Indians can enjoy Pakistani creations and vice versa.
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sodawaterbottleopenerwala Feb 14, 2017 11:08am
great for both countries
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vijesh Feb 14, 2017 11:48am
hahahahahahhah......
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Aamer Feb 14, 2017 11:50am
Who cares, i saw this great Pakistani movie Balu Mahi in UK. Why dont you focus on that.
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Fawad Feb 14, 2017 11:58am
But India will never allow Pakistani movies...???
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Balaji Feb 14, 2017 12:03pm
Ban on Pakistan artists won't be lifted tho lol
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Sameer Feb 14, 2017 01:56pm
Look for ultimate movie in terms of acting, direction Jolly LLB 2
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Syed Feb 14, 2017 03:25pm
While they bomb our cities and kill our soldiers on border by violating LOC.
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kerala Feb 14, 2017 08:26pm
@Syed Oh someone is getting Indian sentiment
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timetostopthis Feb 15, 2017 12:46am
@Syed Thats exactly the way they feel about you in India.
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Adnan aziz Feb 15, 2017 08:45am
A Positive Development !!!
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Masoud Feb 15, 2017 01:10pm
"Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah granted the permission in the light of Pemra’s report that states that television channels were allowed to air Indian films as per clause 7.2 (ii) of Licence to Establish and Operate Satellite TV Broadcast Channel Station" Debatable decision, no clause is above national interest & prestige. While Indian authorities leaves no stone unturned to undermine Pakistani artists & programmes, our chairs are too pleased to please them solo, be it releasing of detained fishermen or allowing indian advertisements or dramas & films.
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