After Bollywood banned Pakistani actors, in a counter attack the federal government and the electronic media regulator banned Indian content on television.

Taking the further step on this, the Pakistani court on Saturday gave notice to the federal government and the electronic media regulator. The court has asked them to give an explanation by February 9.

The Lahore High Court gave the notices to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) and Federal Information Ministry on a petition by Leo Communication.

Pemra last year in October 2016 ordered a ban on Indian content on Pakistani private televisions being operated through cable network in the country. The petitioner said, "the order is in violation of Pemra rules and the Constitution."

Advocate Taffazul Rizvi, counsel for the petitioner, said: "my client in 2010 had been granted a 15-year licence by Pemra to operate a cable channel, Filmazia  and under the licence it was allowed to broadcast 10 per cent of foreign content including Indian."

"The channel because of running foreign (Indian) content became very popular and received highest viewership ratings across the country," he said.

Pemra, he said, "without citing any legal reason on October 19, 2016, issued a circular abruptly banning all Indian content on cable channels in Pakistan."

"The government is indulging in selective patriotism as Indian movies are allowed to be exhibited in cinemas all over the country showing its double standards," he argued.

After hearing all the arguments, LHC Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah found that when Indian movies are screened in cinemas in the country for what reason the government/Pemra had to ban Indian content on TV. The court has adjourned the hearing till February 9.

Pak PM Nawaz Sharif Again Praises Burhan Wani, Calls him 'Vibrant Leader'

BY M. DIVYA SRI