We have seen many times when PEMRA announced and warn all cable operators, Wireless TV providers, IPTV providers and to general public to stop the use of Indian DTH-Direct to Home i.e Dish TV, AirTel, Reliance etc. In Pakistan Dish TV is being used from many years, people are using it at their homes or cable/other service providers are using it for commercial purpose. In last October, PEMRA launch educational plus warning campaign for the ban on Indian DTH satellite television receiver’s in Pakistan. And recently Pakistan auctioned three DTH license to different companies to provide DTH service in Pakistan. And in recent tension between Pakistan and India, Pakistani cinema owners announced to withdraw all Indian movies from their cinema and on the other side India also ban Pakistani actors in their country.
After that PEMRA announced to took serious action against those who are using Indian DTH in Pakistan. These all are illegally available in Pakistan and the most of the revenue is generated by India not Pakistan. Service providers are getting channels by these DTH and then distribute it via cable or any medium in which they are operating.
DWN removed almost 20 channels from there TV list which they were taking from Dish TV, i.e Star Sports (all channels), Six, Six HD, Ten Sports HD, Star Movies,Max, Star World, Discovery Science and many more. And many cable operators also removed most of the Indian TV channels.
The question arrives for how long PEMRA can enforce their decision on all service providers, last year we have seen same kind of action but at the end, service providers start on airing the same channels on the demand of public. PEMRA along with all official teams of FIA,PBA, Police and all relevant authorities will crack down if any one involved in selling/distributing or using these illegal DTH in Pakistan.
And lastly today is the last date and from tomorrow all those who are involved in these business will be behind bars.
Update: According to the press conference by chairman PEMRA, Absar Alam currently there are 9 companies which are short listed for DTH and 7 new applied. He added after completion of shortlist process the final bid procedure will be held.
