ISLAMABAD: (DNA) – Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, on Tuesday announced that a ban has been imposed on the telecast of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches in response to Indian propaganda carried out against Pakistan.

The decision was taken in federal cabinet meeting after an ‘organised effort’ by India to harm cricket in Pakistan, Fawad Chaudhry said in a press conference here.

He added that Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) will ensure implementation of the cabinet’s decision to stop telecast of the IPL matches on any TV channels in the country.

The information minister, however, urged sports, showbiz and culture should be made free from political conflicts that what the Islamabad government believed in.

He also criticised Indian broadcaster for not telecasting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the middle of the tournament and wearing of military caps by Indian cricket players which exhibited an aggressive posture by New Delhi against Pakistani players.

While answering a question, Chaudhry said that Indian PM Modi should rethink his policy after facing back-to-back failures even inside his own country.

Social Protection, Poverty Alleviation

Fawad Chaudhry, while detailing other important conclusions made in the federal cabinet held under chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said that the government has formally approved creation of ‘Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Division’.

He added that Dr Sania Nishtar will head the Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Division which will ensure coordination of different organisation working under ‘Ehsas’ social safety programme launched by PM Khan. Fawad said that low income people would be provided health cards and affordable housing facilities under the new programme.

Benazir Income Support Programme

The information minister announced that the government will not change name of Benazir Income Support Programme and financial aid to the poor people would be continued through BISP, Zakaat, Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal.

Security forces in tribal areas

The cabinet approved a budget of Rs57.3 billion for security forces including Khasadar working in erstwhile FATA, he said.