ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had ordered immediate restoration of all religious channels.

Talking to a private news channel about the closure of a religious channel, the minister said the government believes in the freedom of press and if any channel holds permission and has paid all its dues, then there is no question of closing it down.

He said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had a specific procedure and every channel must follow it. The Pemra is not creating hurdles in transmission of any channel but all unregistered and illegal channels are closed, he added.

Replying to a question, Kaira said he would look into the matter and if any channel is closed despite payment of all dues, it is condemnable. But if any channel is being broadcast without permission, then Pemra has every right to enforce and implement its rules, he elaborated.

Kaira said some channels had no landing rights and were running illegally. He added that all channels must complete their documentation process and must acquire a license before they can be allowed resumption of telecast.
Source: The News
Date:4/8/2010