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Pakistan Media Authority Takes Control of Local Cable Network after it Broadcasted Indian Channels

© REUTERS / JONATHAN ERNSTPakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan listens while meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 22, 2019.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan listens while meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 22, 2019.  - Sputnik International
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New Delhi (Sputnik): Pakistan’s media regulatory authority has taken over operations of a Karachi-based television network for broadcasting Indian channels and advertisements.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) said the Garden Cable television network violated its directives not to air Indian channels and advertisements of India-made products.

"Regional Office Karachi: Cable TV Network M/s Garden Cable Network seized for violation of PEMRA directives and relaying illegal Indian channels. Transmitters, Two CPU & Digital boxes were seized," PEMRA said on social media.

Tensions have been simmering between India and Pakistan since New Delhi revoked Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian government also divided the state into two federally administered territories – Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature).

Terming India’s move as illegal, Pakistan has responded by downgrading diplomatic ties, suspending bilateral trade, halting train operations, and banning Indian movies and advertisements.

Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Information had confirmed a ban on Indian movies and television advertisements of Indian products.

The Indian government placed the Jammu and Kashmir area under an unprecedented lockdown between 5 August and 18 August following the repeal of special status.

During this period, thousands of troops were deployed across the region to prevent any untoward incidents.

Restrictions are now gradually being eased in phases since 17 August. Jammu and Kashmir administration stated over the weekend that over 17 telephone exchanges had been made functional.

Restrictions in areas under the jurisdiction of 35 police stations in the Kashmir Valley have also been relaxed.

Approximately 50,000 landline connections are functioning normally in the region, and mobile services have been restored, the administration stated on Saturday 17 August.

At least 190 schools are expected to reopen starting on Monday. Government offices are functioning normally.

Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since both countries gained freedom from British colonial rule in 1947. Both states govern part of the region but lay claim to it in its entirety. The rivals have even fought two wars in the region.

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