&TV scraps Pakistani shows in UK

Popular Indian entertainment channel, &TV has joined other ZEE Network channels by scrapping its Pakistani programming line-up.

It was reported on BizAsiaLive.com earlier this month that the channel was set to compete with other channels by broadcasting Urdu shows in the weekday 22:00 – 23:00 slot. It started off with ‘Mera Raqeeb’ at the beginning of this month, with ‘Gohar-e-Nayab’ taking over after it finished this week. However, the channel has axed the show with repeats of ‘Gangaa’ and ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain’ being scheduled in its place with immediate effect.

It may not all be bad news for &TV as the Urdu shows proved disappointed in initial viewing data. The repeats earlier in the timeslot did better than the Pakistani output on the channel.

The programming change coincides with the decision of ZEE Network ceasing support for Pakistani shows on its channels. Essel Group and ZEE Media, Chairman, Subhash Chandra had this week expressed his dismay at the Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif over the Uri attacks. In India, ZEE’s Zindagi channel has revamped its output by axing all Pakistani shows.

At the announcement for the new look of Zindagi, Chandra said, ���It�۪s an unfortunate decision we had to take to stop all programming from Pakistan. We at ZEE, have tried for the past 24 years to bridge the gap, however, the one-way street is not working. We took a decision in our hearts right after the Uri attack. Our team met and agreed for the same. We at Zindagi want to respect the sentiments of our viewers, and of our country, and that is why we had to take this step.�۝

���Zindagi has been the reason for the rise of a number of stars from Pakistan but when we requested them to at least condemn the attacks without naming their country, none of them came forward.�۝ He further added.