Pakistani TV channels fined for airing excessive Indian content

Ten Pakistani entertainment television channels have been fined a total of Rs.10 million (around $92,962) by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for broadcasting excessive Indian content, media reported Monday.

According to a document of the country's ministry of information, broadcasting and national heritage, the channels have violated the code of conduct by broadcasting Indian content beyond the prescribed limits, The News International reported.

PEMRA is continuously monitoring whether the code of conduct and the code of advertising are being complied with by the TV channels.

"Private TV channels of the country have been authorised to air only 10 percent foreign content, which include 60 percent of the 10 percent (6 percent of the overall) maybe Indian or other content; 40 percent of the 10 percent (4 percent of the overall) may be English content," the report said.

The 10 channels have been fined Rs.1 million each for violating the code of conduct in the current calendar year, according to the report.