IHC Rules PEMRA’s Rs. 32 Billion Levy on TV Channels Illegal

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has declared the Rs. 32 billion levy imposed by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on 23 television channels as illegal and unjustified.

The controversial demand notices were originally issued in March 2022, requiring the channels to pay five percent of their annual advertising income as a regulatory levy. The move faced immediate criticism from the media industry, with broadcasters arguing that the charges were arbitrary and lacked legal basis.

In its ruling, the IHC emphasized that PEMRA’s imposition of the levy exceeded its statutory powers and violated procedural norms. The court noted that the channels should not be burdened with such retroactive financial demands without proper legislative authorization.

This judgment comes as a relief for Pakistan’s television networks, which had challenged the levy in court, citing financial strain and procedural irregularities. Media analysts note that the ruling reinforces the need for clear regulatory guidelines and fair practices in the broadcasting sector.

The decision is expected to set a precedent for future disputes between regulators and private media outlets, highlighting the importance of transparency and legal compliance in imposing financial obligations.