The Lahore High Court on Tuesday lifted a ban on Indian soaps imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) in October last year, declaring it null and void as the government had no objections regarding the same.
A local TV channel, Filmazia, sought overturning of the ban as it had not been imposed by the Government of Pakistan but the regulator. According to law, Pakistani TV channels can run 10% of international content. Most entertainment channels run Indian soaps. They also show Bollywood films on Sundays and designated holidays.
Asma Jehangir, the counsel for Filmazia, termed the ban as “bizarre as Indian films were being openly aired in theatres.” Chief Justice of Lahore High Court Mansoor Ali Shah said that there was no need for a complete ban.
