Anchor Talat Hussain laughs as Marwat makes vulgar comment on air

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last month |  JP Staff Report

A viral Samaa TV video showing MNA Sher Afzal Marwat making a crude comment while anchor Talat Hussain laughs has drawn sharp criticism of Pakistani media ethics.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — A viral clip from a Samaa TV talk show has sparked widespread outrage after MNA Sher Afzal Marwat made a vulgar comment about a woman on air. At the same time, anchor Syed Talat Hussain laughed in response. The incident has reignited debate over the collapsing standards of ethics and professionalism in Pakistani television.

In the clip, Marwat is heard saying a woman “came to the studio without shaving.” Hussain, visibly amused, repeats the phrase in disbelief and bursts into laughter. Marwat reiterates the comment, adding that he can “explain” it if the anchor did not understand. The exchange, now circulating across social media, has drawn intense criticism for its crude and sexist tone.

Viewers have slammed both the guest and the host, questioning why such offensive talk is tolerated on mainstream media. “This is not a political debate; it’s disgraceful,” one observer said. Many have called out the channel for failing to exercise editorial control or issue an apology.

Critics say the episode reflects a growing culture of sensationalism and disrespect on Pakistani talk shows, where shock value increasingly replaces journalistic substance. Media observers have also criticized the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for its silence, saying the regulator has failed to uphold broadcast standards.

This latest controversy underscores a disturbing trend: the normalization of vulgarity and misogyny in public discourse under the guise of political discussion. The lack of accountability, experts warn, continues to erode public trust in television journalism.

Photo: The background in Talat Hussain’s photo is AI-generated and used here for representational purposes.