Karachi, Aug 02: Pakistan today asked cable operators to strictly observe a ban on broadcasting Indian television channels imposed some 19 months ago amid mounting tensions with India. "We have (re)enforced the ban as these channels do not come under the approved eligible list," chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Mian Javed told news agencies.

The ban affected Star Plus, Star News, Zee Cinema, Zee Gold, Sonny and B4U, while Pemra has also imposed a ban on broadcasting Indian DVDs and VCDs over cable networks, a senior official said.

Pakistan had slapped the ban on relaying Indian television channels over private cable networks after the December 2001 attack on Indian Parliament which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad-backed militants.
Hoping that the ban will be lifted with the recent peace overtures, cable operators had started showing Indian television channels, which are extremely popular among Pakistanis.

The renewed calls for the ban came as a surprise to many viewers who were pleased at the resumption of Indian channels.

"The timing is surprising as the ban has come at a time when the peace process between Indian and Pakistan has started," Rubina Jabber, a house-wife, said.
However, Javed denied the enforcement has anything to do with politics.

Bureau Report