Photo Source: PEMRA websiteOn Aug 11, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) awarded 42 district-level cable television licences to 20 companies across 37 districts — marking the first time such licences have been issued in the country’s history. The initiative, launched in February 2025, invited applications through advertisements in national newspapers, PEMRA’s official website, and announcements on television channels, FM radio, and cable networks. Out of these, 20 companies met all eligibility requirements and completed the necessary documentation, receiving their licences at Monday’s ceremony. The event, held at PEMRA headquarters in Islamabad, was presided over by Chairman Muhammad Saleem, who welcomed the participants and congratulated the successful licensees. Senior PEMRA officials present included Executive Director General (Licensing Distribution) Sardar Irfan Ashraf Khan, Executive Director General (Licensing Broadcast Media) Wakeel Khan, Executive Director General (Operations Broadcast Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Tahir, Executive Director General (Admin) Khurram Siddiqui, Director General (Punjab) Ikram Barkat, Director General (Licensing Distribution) Omar Waqas Qureshi, Director General (Chairman Secretariat) Tamseel Haider, Director General (Executive Member Secretariat) Rana Ahmed Mustafa, and Authority Secretary Saeed Ahmed Soomro.