ISLAMABAD: After repeatedly issuing warnings and imposing fines on various news channels for `carelessly telecasting` re-enactments of crime stories, the electronic media regulator has finally barred the cable TV channels from running such shows.

`Repeated warnings have been given to the TV channels that programmes which cross certain limits should not be shown directly at home,` the chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, saidat a press conference here on Friday.

He said the handling of TV and cable networks should be quite different from how cinema was handled. `People who go to a cinema house to watch a certain movie do so voluntarily. But showing objectionable programmes on TV at home is like imposing the shows on consumers; many parents may not even know what their children are watching.

Mr Alam said there had been numerous complaints. The Pemra staff found out after monitoring the shows that some channels were showing faces of rape victims and even their names and addresses, whichwas deplorable.

`Also, the growing trend of media personnel, holding mikes and cameras, making forced entry into private premises is not only against the norms of society but also against the laws of the country,` he said.

Pemra had been warning channels against re-enacting suicides, robberles and extra-marital affairs, he said.

`We want to make it clear that if any channel tries to breach this ban and airs such unethical shows it will face severe punishment, including suspension of licence,` the Pemra chief said.

He said rules were being formulated for investigative reports.