PEMRA lifts ban on contraceptive adverts, sets conditions

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 1 June 2016

PEMRA has announced a lifting of the blanket ban on contraceptive adverts, allowing them under specific conditions. Advertisements must avoid children's viewing hours and must adhere to cultural values.

Summary

ISLAMABAD - The electronic media's regulatory body PEMRA said Wednesday that there will not be a blanket ban on airing of commercials featuring contraceptives.

"Until a final decision by the board (The Authority), there will not be a blanket ban on advertisements of contraceptive products," a PEMRA notification said. It said, the understanding will be that these adverts are not be aired during children viewing hours (6:00am-8:00am and 5:00pm-9:00pm); no such commercials are aired during children's programs, and that special care is given to the use of language and visuals to conform with the cultural values.

Late last month, PEMRA had banned advertisements for contraceptive products on television and radio over concern they expose inquisitive children to the subject of sex.

The authority said it was acting in response to complaints from parents and its ban covered all contraceptive, birth control and family planning products.

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Key Points

PEMRA lifts blanket ban on contraceptive adverts.
Commercials are restricted during children's viewing hours.
Conditions include careful language and visuals.
Ban initially imposed due to parental complaints.
Regulatory body adjusts policy to address concerns.

Relevant Topics

PEMRA

Contraceptives

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