Islamabad: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Wednesday cancelled the satellite television licences granted to Bol News and Bol Entertainment (Pak News) for failing to secure security clearance for its directors from the interior ministry, the regulator said in a press release.
According to the press release issued four directors — Shoaib Shaikh, Aisha Shoaib Shaikh, Viqas Atiq and Sarwat Bashir — of Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd, which owns the Bol News channel were denied clearance by the interior ministry.
Pemra has instructed PakSat, a satellite telecommunications company, to “immediately” stop the transmission of Bol News and Bol Entertainment (Pak News), which no longer hold Pemra licences. All distribution networks and cable operations have also been asked to take the two channels off air.
Pemra said it would act against those found in violation of the order according to the law.
The Sindh High Court had last year ordered restoration of Bol News’ licence while putting in abeyance the operation of an order issued by Pemra to suspend the channel’s licence.
