At least 11 Christian TV stations in Pakistan have been blocked from broadcasting via cable, it was reported in December.
The move, initiated by the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), is a major setback for Pakistan’s minority Christian community, who rely on the channels for spiritual input. PEMRA does not issue licences for religious channels. Many Christian broadcasters operate externally, but for those in Pakistan licences are unavailable. Christians complain they are being unfairly targeted as other unlicensed channels, including Islamic ones, are allowed to continue broadcasting.