LAHORE: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday recommended that TV Cable sector be given the status of industry besides granting tax-holiday.
“In two different letters written to the federal government, PEMRA has requested for grant of status of industry to the cable TV sector and to grant tax holiday/exemption on import of digitalization equipment, thus facilitating the cable operators in meeting digitalization deadline by September 30, 2016,” says a press release issued by PEMRA.
While pleading the much-awaited demand of cable TV operators on both issues, PEMRA in their letters have urged the government that the cable TV services in Pakistan have attained a significant status in the socio-economic set-up of the country.
“The sector has developed enormously in terms of provision of quality media services, establishing reliable business enterprises and adoption of latest technologies. This multifarious development has generated considerable economic activity and the prospects of further enhancement are markedly visible.”
PEMRA letter highlights that it has more than 4000 licensed cable TV licensees which are significantly contributing to media growth, investments and employment in the country.
The scarcity of funds and market incentive are acting as an impediment in achieving the desired level of development in the cable TV sector.
