LHC moved to stop deal by state-run TV
By: Amir Riaz
LAHORE: A writ petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) to stop proposed secrete deal of stat-run Pakistan Television (PTV) with Zee TV of India.
Mian Muhammad Aslam has filed the petition on the basis of a news item published in The News. The petitioner reproduced the published news item in his petition, which says PTV has finalised a joint venture with Zee TV and at initial level the deal amounts to $35 to 45 million.
He said it was very dubious and questionable move on the part of the respondents. He said in the first part of the understanding, PTV had agreed to facilitate the Indian media group to acquire exclusive rights to show sports event through Zee subsidiary Ten Sports.
The petitioner through his counsel, Saeed Zafar, said Pakistani players were not even allowed to take part in Indian Premier League and no Pakistani channel was allowed to cover the event. He said PTV MD Yousaf Baig Mirza had remained an employee of Zee TV. He said constitution of Pakistan and law of the land did not allow such breach of misconduct on the part of the MD.
He said the entry of foreigners into the field of communication as well as state media was subject to extreme security matter of the state. “Pemra Ordinance 2002 clearly states that it is mandatory condition that no licence may be given in Pakistan, be it for broadcasting, landing rights or cables operations, to any entity that is owned by a foreigner or controlled by foreigners from outside,” the petitioner added. He requested the court that the move of joint venture may be stopped and all MoUs were disclosed prior to arriving any final disposal of this petition. He further prayed that the PTV MD be replaced with a competent and faithful citizen.
Source: The News
Date:10/19/2011
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