Obscenity in media: SC seeks report from government

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 December 2015

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has called for a government report on media obscenity by January. Justice Ejaz Afzal stressed the importance of safeguarding the youth from immoral influences.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) has sought a report from the federal government by the second week of January with regards to its steps in the media obscenity case. Justice Ejaz Afzal remarked “the matter of obscenity is highly sensitive. We want to save our young generation from its evil effects. We have placed the matter before the government being the matter of sensitive nature.

We now see what steps the government takes now and what report it gives. Afterwards we will see what order we have to issue." He gave these remarks while presiding over a two-memebr bench of SC during the course of hearing of suo motu notice taken by SC on letter written by former chief of JI late Qazi Hussain Ahmad, Muhammad Hussain Mehnti and Justice (Retd) Wajih ud Din.

The counsel for petitioner Tausif Amir requested the court to summon chairman PEMRA. The court remarked chairman PEMRA will be summoned when needed. The counsels took the plea during the hearing that all the records of obscenity have been broken by private TV channels and young generation is being driven to immoral practices. The respective departments are playing no role in this regard.

The Islamic emblems will vanish if this state of affairs is allowed to continue, who will then build the character of future of this nation? The court should issue directives to PEMRA and summon its chairman and ask him what actions have been taken against such activities. The counsel for government told the court that government was taking steps and time was needed for detailed report.

Tausif Asif said that chairman PEMRA be summoned for the next hearing. The court remarked “we are well aware of sensitivity of matter. We want to see what steps are taken by the government. Chairman PEMRA will be summoned when need arises." The court adjourned the hearing of the case till second week of January. - Online

KEY POINTS:

• SC requested report from federal government by second week of January
• Justice Ejaz Afzal highlights sensitivity of media obscenity
• Concerns raised over private TV channels promoting immorality
• Counsel for petitioner demands action from PEMRA chairman
• Next hearing adjourned until government responds.