Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority (PEMRA) advised the channels and cable networks to "refrain from airing promos/reviews" of the movie till it is issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Central Board of Film Censors.

A letter issued by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, to all satellite TV channels and cable networks last week said "Ek Tha Tiger", set for world premiere on August 15, is "said to be based on the activities of ISI and RAW".

"Besides, basic theme of the story revolves around Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency with the aspiration to tarnish the image of state owned institution," the letter said.

"The matter should be given utmost preference and due care be ensured to uphold the country's image and any unintentional lapse in this regard be avoided," the letter added.

Earlier this year Pakistan Censor Board banned the movie Agent Vinod on the similar grounds as it portrayed ISI with a blunt perspective.