Christian educationist seeks suo moto action against Express TV drama

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 27 January 2017

Prof. Anujm James Paul has formally requested legal action regarding a drama on Express TV that he claims insults Christianity. He argues that this show violates several constitutional protections for minority religions in Pakistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Prof. Anujm James Paul, Chairman of Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA), has written to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court drawing his attention to a television drama serial he says is desecrating and insulting Christianity and Christians.

According to ChristiansinPakistan.com, the drama in question – Baji Irshad – is aired on Express TV and violates at least three articles of the Constitution, National Action Plan and the Pakistan Penal Code, Dr. Paul points out.

Dr. Paul has requested the Chief Justice to take suo moto notice and stern action against such elements.

He says this is a deliberate conspiracy to let down Christianity and Christians. “Unfortunately Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan fails to protect the minority religions of Pakistan, that’s why not only the minority religions but also religious minorities are unsafe,” he wrote.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) is proactive in many matters. It has banned and fined a number of private satellite TV Channels that have violated its policies but on the other hand it is a bitter reality that no action has been taken against any public or private TV channel that has desecrated the minority religions of Pakistan and the religious minorities, he said.

Image courtesy: Express Entertainment

KEY POINTS:

• Prof. Anujm James Paul represents the Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association.
• The drama 'Baji Irshad' is accused of desecrating Christianity.
• Paul argues that the show violates constitutional articles and the Pakistan Penal Code.
• He calls for the Chief Justice to take immediate action.
• Concerns are raised about inadequate protection for minority religions under Article 19.