MUMBAI: A Pakistani parliamentary panel has recommended a ban on foreign content during prime time on local television channels in order to protect the domestic television industry, according to Pakistani media reports.

The proposal would particularly have an impact on Indian and Turkish soaps, which have gained popularity in Pakistan over the years, if the recommendation is accepted.

The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan?s National Assembly has also recommended that the government should act tough against channels that violate the proposed ban.
 
The panel made its recommendation following a discussion on foreign serials dubbed in Urdu and the impact it has on local culture.

The committee recommended that if the rules of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority allow the airing of the foreign content, such programming should only be subtitled in Urdu or English.
 
The committee also asked Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to suggest that the government should ban all advertisements featuring foreign talent.

The parliamentary panel meeting was attended by Information Secretary Rasheed Ahmed, PEMRA Chairman Abdul Jabbar, and television actors Qavi Khan, Laila Zuberi and Maria Wasti.

Actor Asif Raza Mir suggested that Indian programming on FM radio too should be banned.