Pakistan's TV regulator Chief Absar Alam has outlawed broadcast of Indian TV content.
Pakistan's electronic media watchdog today warned of a crackdown on local channels illegally airing contents from Indian channels and imposed a cap of less than 6 per cent of air-time on telecast of Indian shows.
According to reports, the move comes just days after the centre gave its nod to All India Radio to include Balochi language among the 14 languages that it currently broadcasts in.
Pakistan's Electronic Media Regulatory Authority or PEMRA said the decision was prompted by complaints from different television owners and "concerned citizens."
"Only TV channels having permission and license can telecast foreign content. Pakistani TV channels can utilize less than 6 per cent of air time to telecast Indian TV content from October 15," said PEMRA chief Absar Alam.
He also warned that strict action will be taken against those TV channels which continue to violate the code of conduct beyond the given 45 day deadline.
"I urge the people to stop using illegal Indian dish antennae as it is in utter violation of the law and against national interest," Mr Alam said.
Pakistan's TV regulator has sought help from other departments to check the violation of law regarding use of foreign TV content. Under existing rules only 10 per cent of airtime (or two hours and 40 minutes in a 24-hour transmission) is allowed for foreign content.
Pakistan is set to launch its own digital broadcast services shortly, and the government is cracking down on sale and use of illegal Indian digital broadcast services.
Despite strict regulation of foreign content Indian films, TV dramas and reality shows remain highly popular and are keenly followed in Pakistan.