120 FM radios closed down in KP

PESHAWAR - Pakistan Electronic and Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) has closed down 120 FM radio stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa owing to links with militants and involvement in other unlawful activities. A report sent to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by PEMRA stated that the Authority had sealed 120 illegal FM radio stations in the province with the help of the authorities concerned. The regularity body while citing reasons for the closure of these FM radios said that it had received the complaints about misuse of these FM radios by the militants and sectarian outfits. The Militants have links with these FM radios and are using these for spreading militancy besides some sectarian outfits are reportedly spreading hatred through these FM radios which could create a security situation during Muharram, an official told The Nation on condition of anonymity. The most worrisome aspect is that the capital city of Peshawar is at the top of list where action has been taken against misuse of FM radios. Earlier, the tribal areas were infested badly with illegal FM radios and they were a source of hatred. Malakand Division is at the top of list with majority of these FM radios closed down whereas Peshawar stood at the second followed by Mardan, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan. According to the report, a legal action will also be taken against those running these FM radios and cases have been registered according to the law in this regard.