GECs
Lahore HC lifts PEMRA ban on Indian TV shows
MUMBAI: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday cancelled a ban imposed by PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) on the telecast of Indian television shows in Pakistan. THe HC stated that the federal government had no objection to the Indian television programmes.
HC chief justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that the Indian content with anti-Pakistan or objectionable content could be censored but there was no requirement for a complete ban, IANS reported. Justice Shah observed that the world had become a global village.
The petition questing the PEMRA ban had contended that imposing a ban was outside the powers of the regulatory body and the Pakistani constitution. Even though Indian movies were allowed to be screened all over Pakistan, the same could not be shown on television, the petitioner had stated, also claiming that the Pakistani government was involved in “selective patriotism”. The petitioner’s counsel Asma Jehangir argued that the ban on Indian teleplays seemed to be strange when Indian films were being free telecast.
Although the ban on the telecast of Indian films was done away with in February 2017, approval to air television dramas or teleplays was not granted.
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GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
