India will help Afghanistan to expand the mass media network and build communication infrastructure in the conflict-hit country, it was decided at a meeting of officials of the two countries here Monday.

The decision was taken at a meeting between a visiting Afghan delegation led by Deputy Information Minister Mobarez Rasheidi and Indian Information Secretary Rahgu Menon, an official release said.

Menon told the Afghan minister that India would provide provide experts to formulate mass communication policies.

India has already helped Afghanistan to set up modern radio and broadcast facilities at Jalalabad.

Up-linking and down-linking facilities of radio and TV national broadcasters in Afghanistan have been facilitated by the Indian satellite INSAT 3-A.

The Afghan team also held discussions with Neelam Kapur, principal director general, media and communication in the information ministry, regarding the training of Afghan information officials.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the two countries in May, which promised Indian help in the development of free Press in Afghanistan, assistance in the production of documentaries, films, development of radio and television content and its marketing.

Several Afghan journalists are being trained by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi, the release said.

No licence to any Indian channel: Pakistani minister
Islamabad, Aug 2 (IANS) No licence has been issued to any Indian or Indian content channels, a Pakistani minister has clarified.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan Monday informed the National Assembly said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has not issued any license to Indian or Indian content channels.

At present, 23 private entertainment satellite TV channels are telecasting Indian programmes, Associated Press of Pakistan quoted her as saying.

She said that 10 percent foreign content is allowed to all private TV channels under the provision of terms and conditions of the license.

The minister added that PTV had acquired the terrestrial rights for the telecast of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in Pakistan.

Two foreign channels for kids get Pakistan's nod
Islamabad, Aug 2 (IANS) Two foreign satellite TV channels, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, have been granted permission to air programmes in Pakistan, said a minister.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan Monday informed the National Assembly that at present there was no proposal under consideration to establish exclusive PTV channel for children.

She, however, added that some components of PTV programmes were specified for children.

"The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority will accommodate private TV channel if some one wished to launch channel for children," Associated Press of Pakistan quoted the minister as saying.

Source: Indo-Asia News Service