ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the advertisement of biscuit featuring actress Mehwish Hayat.
The directive from the regulatory body comes a day after the TV commercial went on air causing an uproar on social media in the best interest of viewers, culture and to save the customer from the mayhem of consumerism.
An official notification has been issued by PEMRA directing all channels that visuals of advertisements must be approved by an in-house monitoring committee prior to their telecast.
In a statement, the regulatory authority said: “It has been observed with concerns that themes of advertisements of ordinary consumer products like biscuits, surf, etc being aired satellite TV channels are not corresponding with the disposition of these products. The trend is causing unrest and behavioral disturbance among the viewers being not only in violation of the commonly accepted standards of decency but also the socio-cultural norms of Pakistani society.”
“In this context, viewers are criticising PEMRA on Twitter for allowing…such indecent advertisements. Pertinently, viewers are of the view that airing advertisements regarding general consumer products like biscuits in such a bizarre manner where the visuals do not commensurate with the use of the products is unwarranted and needs to be looked into. In addition to this, complainants are of the opinion that the presentation of the products in such manner is wittingly or unwittingly merely aiming to promote consumerism,” it added.
“Therefore, all are advised to sensitize their members to give consideration to the public concerns on the themes of the advertisement and specifically review the content of the advertisement of ‘Gala Biscuit’ by giving due credence to the apprehension of the views”, the statement further added.
الحمدللہ! پیمرا نے عوامی احتجاج پر بسکٹ کو بیچنے کے لیے مجرے پر مبنی اشتہار چلانے پر تمام TV چینلز، PBA اور متعلقہ اداروں کو ایڈوائزری جاری کر دی ہے اور کہا کہ ہماری اقدار کا خیال رکھا جائے۔ اس کامیابی پر میں اُن تمام افراد کا شکریہ ادا کرتا ہوں جنہوں نے اس کے خلاف آواز اُٹھائی۔ pic.twitter.com/oKwuXpI5dn
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) October 5, 2020
