Government on Tuesday effectively banned the import of satellite television equipment, placing a further curb on coverage of the country’s raging political crisis.

An order issued by the commerce ministry said satellite dishes, decoders, recording and reception equipment could now only be imported into the country with the specific permission of Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra).

It came days after the government already blocked transmission by private news channels after the imposition of emergency rule on November 3.

“All equipment used for reception, broadcast and distribution of satellite signals … shall be allowed into the country only after obtaining specific permission” from the authority, the ministry said in a statement.