Pakistani channels prohibited from airing special Eid programmes, due to Kashmir issue

The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority has asked media outlets not to air "pre-recorded or live special programmes on Eid-ul-Azha because it "may hurt sentiments of not only our nation but also the Kashmiri brethren", the media reported.

In a notification on Saturday, the regulatory authority said: "In observance of solidarity with Kashmir, Eid-ul- Azha is being celebrated with simplicity as a religious event. Therefore, it is requested that no special programme (already recorded or planned live) be aired as Eid celebrations as the same may hurt sentiments of not only our nation but also the Kashmir brethren."

It added that August 14, the Pakistan Independence Day, will be celebrated in "solidarity with brave Kasmiris". reports Pakistan Today.

Similarly, the regulatory authority said that August 15, India's Independence Day, will be observed as black day and the national flag will fly at half-mast.

It also advised the TV channels to "turn their logos Black and White" on that day.

On August 8, the electronic media regulator had directed news channels to not invite any Indian celebrity, politician, journalist, and analysts in their talk shows for any kind of "comments" and "analysis"

The move came after the Indian government on August 5 announced the revoking of Article 370 of its Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and converted the state into a Union Territory with a legislature.

It also split the state by hiving off Ladakh region and making it into a Union Territory without a legislature.