News Headline
Pak media authority bans Indian TV channels
MUMBAI: Looks like Pakistan’s cable fraternity is voting with their feet on the issue of banned Indian television channels – and they have just been halted in their tracks.
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) chairman Mian Javed on Sunday ordered Pakistani cable operators to strictly observe the ban on Indian channels, reports AFP.
“We have (re)-enforced the ban as these channels do not come under the approved eligible list,” AFP quoted Javed as saying. PEMRA banned the relaying of Indian TV channels over private cable networks after the December 2001 terrorist attack on Indian Parliament, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad-backed militants.
Following the recent thaw in relations between the two neighbours, cable operators across the border had started showing Indian TV channels, which are extremely popular among Pakistanis.
For the beleaguered cable operators in Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s “hand of friendship” offer in April provided just the excuse they needed to get the Indian channels back on air. Without waiting for any government go-ahead, popular Indian channels like Star Plus, Star News, Zee Cinema, Zee Gold, Sony and B4U, reappeared in Pakistani cable TV homes and became so popular that they even began attracting Pakistani advertisements.
Aside from a ban on Indian channels, PEMRA has also imposed a ban on broadcasting Indian DVDs and VCDs over cable networks, a senior official was quoted as saying.
Reacting with dismay to the news, Cable Operator’s Association of Pakistan chairman Khalid Sheikh was quoted as saying, “We will suffer a great financial loss as people will discontinue watching cable television when they will not find Indian channels over it.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
