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Actors have asked the court to limit airtime for Indian dramas on Pakistani TV channels

Actors have asked the court to limit airtime for Indian dramas on Pakistani TV channels

As per the law, only 10 per cent of airtime is allowed for foreign content
14 May, 2018

A group of Pakistani actors protested in Karachi and asked the court to implement a law that restricts the airtime of foreign content on local TV channels.

The United Producers Association tweeted that the group had approached the chief justice alleging that local TV channels were dedicating more than 10% of their airtime to foreign content.

As per the law, only 10 per cent of airtime is allowed for foreign content, while the maximum limit for Indian content is 6pc in 24 hours.

In 2016, Pemra had announced that strict action would be taken against the channels airing foreign content more than the prescribed limit.

Actor Faysal Qureshi, who was present during the protest, says: "There is a law that says TV channels can only run 10% of foreign content during their airtime. But there are some TV channels that flout this law. This is a huge problem, especially during prime time. During prime time if we don't show our local content, it's a big loss for the industry."

"We want to know why the existing law isn't being implemented."

"If I'm involved in a production, there are also hundreds of other people involved in that production. Not just the producers or the cameramen but also numerous vendors. So if one of your slots on TV goes towards an Indian drama or foreign content, hundreds of people lose work," he continued.

Comments

Altaf Mirza May 14, 2018 10:49am
But if the people want to watch the indian content more than Pakistani then what can you do?
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Himmat May 14, 2018 11:02am
Why limit, they should be banned.
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ahmad May 14, 2018 11:03am
stop producing sub-standard dramas
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Apache May 14, 2018 12:05pm
I can see Adnan siddiqi in this picture, who has recently featured in a Bollywood movie. Oh the irony
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Siddhartha May 14, 2018 12:33pm
Very true. I support their protest.
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AK May 14, 2018 12:58pm
How about matching the Indian dramas/films standards instead of wasting time in such protests. When will we understand that its about demand!! Pakistanis want to see good content and if the Indians provide it, so be it!
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IrfaN May 14, 2018 01:03pm
Bring the quality, people automatically switch to your shows.
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Irfan Ul huq May 14, 2018 06:43pm
@Altaf Mirza Go to YouTube
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SHAHID SATTAR May 15, 2018 10:28am
The soap dramas by the Pakistani channels are not worth the time being spent upon viewing them. But then, there is the question of providing chicken and biryani for those who are dependent on such dramas being produced. They must not let go hungry. The demand is justified and the authorities concerned must follow the rules to provide relief to the suffering.
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neo May 15, 2018 10:45am
if you want people to watch your shows then make BETTER TV....they make crappy shows & when audience look for alternate through india & turkey, they cry foul....
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Alanore May 15, 2018 05:53pm
Why are they showing Indain shows? Pakistani Dramas are million time better.
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huzaifa May 15, 2018 08:00pm
@AK Pakistani dramas are far better then indian soap operas. if you dont know then watch it then comment,even indians admit that
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UNSHACKLEpAK May 16, 2018 10:19pm
Stop trying to take people's choice to watch whatever they want away. If anyone has a problem they can switch the channel or turn TV off for good. Once a good program is made people may choose to flock to it in droves or they may not. But free market works this way. People end up getting the choice instead of those in power.
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