PEMRA tells TV channels to stop airing plays having objectionable themes

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 January 2019

PEMRA has issued an advisory to prevent TV channels from airing dramas with objectionable content. The regulator emphasizes content should align with societal norms.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Electronic media regulator PEMRA has directed all TV channels not to air plays with controversial themes and plots.

In an advisory, it said the dramas should not feature indecent dressing and gestures, divorce, infidelity, extramarital affairs and unnecessary detailing of events.

“The prevalent rampant trend of airing quite bold themes in Pakistani drama industry has resulted in massive public complaints on Pakistan Citizens Portal (PCP), PEMRA Call Center and Feedback System, as well as through social media and WhatsApp,” the regulator said.

It said that viewers point out the plays do not depict a true picture of Pakistani society.

“Majority of the scripts revolve around women, having same story pick, plot or purpose. These dramas depict a hackneyed image of women and have confined themselves to feminist issues only, therefore ignoring children, teenagers, and men. The scriptwriters are confined to saas bahu vendetta, extramarital affairs, divorce, infidelity, etc.”

PEMRA has asked the channels to stop airing such content and produce content in consonance with the socio-cultural norms.