“Indian private channels may choose to be xenophobic and reactive, if they so decide. This should not dictate Pemra’spolicy. We are the custodians of our own freedoms and are free to decide our road to progress and growth. Being open to other cultures, art, literature, ideas and thoughts is an attribute of a thriving and evolving nation. It is also in consonance with our constitutional values and policies which discourage parochial prejudices” — Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in theLeo Communication case

WITH the passing of India’s nightingale, Asha Bhosle, her fans across the world mourned the loss of one of the subcontinent’s most melodious voices. Bhosle’s music had not only reverberated across India but had also found a place in the hearts of many Pakistanis who had experienced and expressed their emotions through her music. TV channels in Pakistan too paid tribute to her and reflected on her legacy. The tributes soon drew Pemra’s ire. Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Human Rights Case No 22753-S of 2018, and invoking Section 20(f) of its ordinance, the electronic media regulator argued that the airing of Indian content was prohibited and issued show-cause notices to channels airing the news of........

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