The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has on Wednesday revoked the satellite television licences of Bol News and Bol Entertainment (Pak News) after the interior ministry denied clearance to its four directors.
According to details, the press release issued by PEMRA includes the names of Shoaib Shaikh, Ayesha Shoaib Shaikh, Viqas Atiq and Sarwat Bashir. These directors belong to Labbaik (Pvt) Ltd, which owns the Bol News channel.
“Bol News and Bol Entertainment (Pak News) have been ordered to surrender the original licences and clear all outstanding dues,” the press release stated.
The meeting in which PEMRA decided to cancel the licence of Bol TV was on Tuesday headed by PEMRA’s chairman Absar Alam at its headquarters. Furthermore, the verdict has been announced after listening to Bol News’ viewpoint, said the notification.
PEMRA has ordered PakSat to stop the broadcast of all Bol networks immediately, and also directed the cable operators and distribution networks to put the channels off air.
The regulatory authority has made it clear to take strict action according to the law against all those who will violate the order.
It is pertinent here to mention that the Sindh High Court (SHC) had ordered to restore the licence of Bol News last year.