LAHORE: Cable operators in Pakistan are openly defying the government by showing banned Indian television channels, movies and dance CDs.

Channels like Star Plus, Star Gold and Indian movies are being screened on the cable network, mostly at night, and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has failed to stop their broadcast.

Cable operators have admitted to showing the Indian soaps and movies after 10:00pm citing viewer demand.

"This (violation) is due to the pressure on the PEMRA by the cable operators, and it may be a part of undeclared deal between the government and the cable operators," PEMRA sources claimed.

"Everyone knows they are showing the channels and movies, but nobody can dare take any action against them due to their connections with high-ups", one cable operator alleged.

"We cannot ignore public demand. So, we have no option but to show the Indian channels and Indian movies to save our business. Operators who do not want to show the banned items have been asked to and are being pressurised to do so by their viewers," he added.

A Cable Operators Association representative, however, said that their group is not violating the rules, and was awaiting permission for showing CDs on cable. The process of legislation is under way, he added.