All Pakistani TV channels went off air in the Kashmir valley on Thursday, following a Union government directive. The order banning all Pakistani channels was formally issued by the Srinagar district magistrate, acting on the directive of the information and broadcasting ministry.

Cable operators in Kashmir responded promptly by shutting down all Pakistani channels.The ban order has taken the cable operators and the public here by surprise.

"We have stopped beaming all Pakistani channels. We are following order though this is going to hit our business," said a local cable operator..

"Cable operators shall forthwith stop airing PTV, GEO, Aaj, ARY channels which require permission from the ministry of information and broadcasting. In case they fail to implement the order, action shall be initiated against them," the order issued by the Srinagar district magistrate said.