Union Information and Broadcast Minister Pramod Mahajan announced the decision after inaugurating a new digital recording studio at Doordarshan studio at Worli on Wednesday evening.

He said, "We conducted an analysis of the news and other programmes aired by the PTV since the Kargil episode started. The channel has been broadcasting false and malafide news, which might create a confusions in viewers mind. Moreover, the message being given by PTV might lead to internal insurgency in India. The Government cannot tolerate this anymore and has to take firm decision. We have issued orders this afternoon banning the channel in the country."

Mahajan asked the cable operators to implement the order. He warned that those operators found guilty of receiving the channelwould face police action and will also be prosecuted.