Cable TV monitoring bodies for Balochistan appointed
QUETTA – Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) following the issuance of licenses to cable TV operators, has set up monitoring committees in all the provinces of Pakistan. In this connection the maiden meeting of the Cable Television Monitoring Committee for Balochistan was held here Wednesday.
Chairman PTA, Muhammad Javed welcomed the committee members and briefed them about the background of cable television development in the country, objectives of the committee and its working procedures.
The efficiency of current six licenses in Quetta, their operation and the quality of their service was discussed as well. Chairman PTA pointed out that the Authority will watch the consumer interest and will direct operators to provide good quality service at reasonable cost.
It was clarified that programme generation and insertion by VCR is prohibited. PTA has not given approval for any particular channels, but has laid down, general guidelines for decency and a restriction on pornographic channels.
The chairman suggested such channels should be shown that conform to our culture, social customs and Islamic values. They should reflect the aspirations of people from all areas of Pakistan, thus promoting national harmony, cohesion and integration, he added.
Javed emphasized the programmes should be a source of learning, healthy entertainment and desirable general knowledge. He said as only the people themselves are the best judge of the conformity of these programmes, the citizens committees have been formed with eminent people representing all walks of life to monitor the programmes of the operators and dispose of complaints in this regard.
To ensure the availability of a wide range of channels, it has been made compulsory to show at least two PTV channels and the Quranic channel, including other available religious and education channels. The Balochistan CATV Monitoring Committee secretariat will be set up in Quetta.
Faqir Mohammad Baloch, Ex-Chief Secretary Balochistan heads the committee, while its members include Shukarullah Baloch, Prof. Ghyais Uddin, Anwar Sajdi, Amanullah Kakar and Prof. Mahmood Ali Shah.
PTA officers Maj. Gen. Khalid Bashir, Member (Tech), Firdous Khan, director (Admn), Ahmed Syed, (Incharge CATV) and Dr. Mohd. Abbas Director (Police and Research) also attended the inaugural meeting.
Source: The Nation
Date:11/2/2000
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