The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has closed two FM radio stations in Mardan district. "PEMRA, in its recent drive against illegal FM radio stations, has closed down two FM radio broadcasts operating illegally in Mardan," said a PEMRA spokesman here on Thursday. "PEMRA has closed down around 175 illegal FM radio stations in the NWFP and other areas of the country in the last one year," the spokesman added. Under the drive, the official said, a close coordination with the NWFP government and local administration was being maintained.The transmission of two FM radiobroadcasts -- Madrassa Tafheem-ul-Quran Parhoti, Mardan, which was being run by Maulana Faisal Bari and Madrassa Arabia Islamia Sahwal Dher, Mardan, ran by Maulana Hussain Ahmed -- has been suspended.
The PEMRA spokesman said the authority solicits continued support from people and provincial governments to act against illegal FM radio stations spreading "hatred and sectarian strife" in society.