Federal Ombudsperson for sexual harassment stops airing of drama ‘Dunk’
ISLAMABAD: Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Kashmala Tariq has stopped the transmission of the drama serial ‘Dunk’ which has garnered controversy for its portrayal of sexual harassment.
The Federal Ombudsperson has issued a notice to Chairman PEMRA, the head of the channel and producer Fahad Mustafa to appear on 15 January and explain their position. Meanwhile, the drama serial ‘Dunk’ has been stopped/stayed from being aired until further orders.
In a letter to Chairman PEMRA, the federal ombudsperson said the drama serial is promoting the impression that women lodge fake sexual harassment. She said the drama serial is against the spirit of Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010 promulgated by the government.
She said the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace is working to stem all forms of discrimination and enable a conducive environment for women.
“We as a society have to make a collective effort to abolish the concept or orthodox independence and create a real independent environment,” she said. “We strive to eliminate and curb the vestiges of harassment in Pakistan and embark upon a path to change.”
She said the airing of the drama would discourage women from coming out and speaking against their grievances. She said sexual harassment is a taboo subject and a woman would not ruin her dignity, modesty and respect by making false complaints to defame a person or colleague.
She said content like ‘Dunk’ would be potentially damaging the cause and discourage women who comprise half of the population, adding that Pakistan needs to achieve gender equality and no discrimination.
She said PEMRA should ensure that no content on electronic media is against the agenda of the state and violates human rights. Therefore, the drama serial has been stopped until further notice.
