Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933

This 1933 law regulates who may possess wireless telegraphy apparatus, a broadly defined term covering equipment used for wireless communication, and expressly including video recording or reproducing equipment and satellite television antennas by later amendment, though it excludes ordinary electrical equipment not specially adapted for wireless use.

Section 3 prohibits possessing wireless telegraphy apparatus without a licence issued under the Act, unless exempted under Section 4. Section 5 designates the Director-General of the Pakistan Post Office, or an authorised officer, as the normal licensing authority, though by agreement the Pakistan Television Corporation can be appointed to issue licences specifically for television receiving apparatus, satellite antennas, and video recording or reproducing apparatus; Section 5(2) clarifies that a licence under this Act for a TV receiving apparatus or satellite antenna means no separate licence is needed under the Telegraph Act, 1885.

Section 6 sets penalties for unlicensed possession: a fine which may extend to one hundred rupees for a first offence, and up to two hundred and fifty rupees for a second or later offence; courts may presume possession if the apparatus is under a person's ostensible charge or in premises they control, and on conviction the court may order the apparatus confiscated.

Section 7 lets a Magistrate issue a search warrant, executable only between sunrise and sunset, for premises believed to contain apparatus involved in an offence, and the executing officer may seize such apparatus. Section 8 makes confiscated apparatus, and any apparatus with no identifiable owner, the property of the Federal Government. Section 10 lets the Federal Government make rules, including determining what counts as wireless telegraphy apparatus, licence conditions, and record-keeping requirements for dealers, and rule violations can be punished with a fine which may extend to one hundred rupees. Section 11 preserves the requirements of the separate Telegraph Act, 1885.

This 1933 law has been amended repeatedly, notably by the Finance Ordinance, 1984, and a 1990 amendment, to bring in satellite antennas and video equipment, so given its age, the fine amounts noted above and current licensing arrangements should be verified against the current official text.