JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 02, 2014 | Daud Malik
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday told the National Assembly that some advertisements on private TV channels are obscene.
“It is a fact that some of the advertisements aired on private satellite TV channels are obscene,” Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rashid told the lower house while replying to a question by MQM’s Sheikh Salahuddin.
During the question hour, the legislator asked the minister about obscene advertisements telecast by various channels and what steps the ministry of information was taking to control the trend.
The minister also gave a list of advertisements considered indecent and vulgar. These included Q Mobile, Veet (hair removing cream), Josh (condoms), Sathi (condoms), Molty Foam, Lux Soap, Diamond Supreme Foam, illegal health-related products such as Power Prash, Sandhi Sudha etc. and Xtend.
The minister said PEMRA has taken notice of “such violations/unethical advertisements”, adding that the official media watchdog “has issued advices, warnings and notices to its licensees for refraining from airing such advertisements.”
In some instances, he said fines were also imposed on satellite TV channels for airing content “in contravention to PEMRA Code of Conduct”.
Moreover, he said Pakistan Broadcasting Association and Pakistan Advertising Society were taken on board in order to edit some advertisements which were deemed “obscene”. However, the minister also explained that PEMRA is not empowered to pre-censor the content of its licensees. “Under Section 20 of PEMRA Ordinance all the licensees are obliged to appoint In-House Monitoring Committees to ensure that no content is aired that violates the Code of Conduct.”
The minister added that after thorough consultations with all the stakeholders, including the general public, PEMRA had devised PEMRA (Content) Regulations 2012, which provided detailed provisions on obscenity and indecent content. But in January 2013, under a court decision these regulations were set aside on technical grounds. “Currently, the matter of Code of Conduct for electronic media and these regulations are under review of National Assembly Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage,” the minister said.
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.