PEMRA refuses to ban YouTube channels

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) explained that they are not going to ban any YouTube channel.

PEMRA’s chairman said while talking to media in Islamabad that the Authority has only sought recommendations for the regulations of YouTube channels. He clarified that PEMRA was working on regulations of new channels’ license and the working will be finished in three to four months.

PEMRA contradicted the news published in a section of press on draft over the regulation of Web TV and the Top TV content management in Pakistan.

PEMRA issued the rebuttal in which they said it was alleged to limit freedom of speech and to gag voices regarding Web TV and Over the Top TV Content Services in Pakistan.

PEMRA has completely denied the allegation. The objective for the consultation on maintaining Web TV and Over the Top TV Content Services is mentioned in Section 1.2 of the consultation paper. It has been explained that the development of Web TV and OTT and the disruption of these services to traditional broadcast services have enabled regulators attentive in the world.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the broadcast of advertisements produced in India or featuring Indian celebrities last year.

According to details, PEMRA sent a notice to all of its television and radio licensees which  stated that in view of the Indian aggression in Kashmir and the resulting tension between the two countries, advertisements that are Indian and being broadcast in Pakistan or even those that feature any Indian actors and characters have been banned.