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Sunday, April 14, 2024

PEMRA orders TV channels to stop airing ‘indecent content’

News Desk |

On Tuesday, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has issued a notification instructing television channels to restrain from airing ‘indecent content’. The notification stated that the decision was taken after they received massive complaints from the public on Pakistan Citizen Portal.

“Such content is not only distressing for viewers but is also against the commonly accepted standards of decency,” the media regulatory body stated in a notification. The regulatory body stated that due to the persistent and rampant airing of indecent content, they had been receiving heaps of complaints on all PEMRA’s social media platforms, Pemra Complaints Call Center, and Feedback System.

The regulatory body issued a similar notification last year in September that was severely challenged by few actors and people on social media.

According to PEMRA, people have expressed their disgust over the indecent content shown in the drama serials that is not in correspondence with the cultural values. Several complainants pointed out that the content of the few of the drama serials was seen altering the concept of divorce and Halala, hence creating confusion among the viewers about religious principles.

The TV channels are barred from airing ‘indecent content’ depicting extramarital relations, dialogues, scenes of physical intimacy between couples, use of alcohol and drugs, scenes of rape and inappropriate dressing. PEMRA has warned of the legal actions against TV channels failing to comply by the orders and has asked them to act in resonance with the local social customs and traditions.

Read more: SC grills ECP and PEMRA for non-serious reports

Earlier Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority was slammed on social media for calling out Pakistani drama serial for airing bold content. The regulatory body issued a similar notification last year in September that was severely challenged by few actors and people on social media.

“However, over the time, it has been observed that the quality of Pakistani dramas is deteriorating every day,” the notice read. “Themes of Pakistani dramas are quite bold and not reflective of the majority of Pakistani society. Unnecessary glamour, bold scenes are being shown in the drama, ignoring religious, social, cultural and ethical values of the country.”