KARACHI, Nov 16: Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has complained to Pemra that six of its member channels have been off-aired by cable operators licensed by Pemra since Wednesday evening throughout Pakistan and specifically in Karachi.

A press release issued by the PBA says that Pakistan’s most popular entertainment channels, including ARY Digital, GEO Entertainment, HUM TV, Express Entertainment, TV ONE and KTN Entertainment, are missing from several million households.

PBA has protested that some cable operators are aiming to seek permission to be allowed to air illegal Indian channels ordered shut by Pemra under the instructions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Off-airing member channels is against licensing rules and regulations for cable operators.

PBA has authorised its members to take legal action against Pemra and cable operators who have caused millions of rupees of daily loss to the entertainment industry.

PBA members also feel there are political affiliations that may be behind a move to financially constrain the media industry so that free and fair elections coverage cannot be guaranteed by Pakistan’s private media.