Ministry seeks ban on TV game shows during Ramadan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 March 2022

The Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs has requested a ban on television game shows during Ramadan. Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri emphasized the need for promoting respect and harmony in broadcasting during the holy month.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to order a ban on television game shows aired during Ramadan.

In a letter shared by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Twitter, Federal Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri mentioned six guiding principles of Ramadan transmission on the complaints by the public.

The letter stated that promoting religious and professional harmony during the holy month should be the top priority of the Ramadan shows. It further said that “controversial issues and professional topics should be avoided.”

The letter also highlighted that the show hosts should be equipped with the necessary knowledge, adding that the dress code of the hosts and guests should be in accordance with the holy month.

It further said that “respect for holy figures and adherents of different sects should be kept in mind.” Moreover, broadcasting game shows and frivolous programs during sehr and iftar should be avoided.

It added that immoral and inappropriate advertisements should be banned during the month.

The minister also asked that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issue appropriate instructions to TV channels.