ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Friday advised to television channels not to air content that was against common “standards of decency”.
In a notification, the PEMRA said, “TV channels are indulged in airing objectionable dramas/content based on indecent dressing, caressing, bed scenes, and gestures, sensitive/controversial plots, and unnecessary detailing of the events, which are highly disturbing and against the commonly accepted standards of decency.”
A “considerable stratum” of the society believes that dramas were not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society, the regulator said in the notification.
PEMRA said it had not only received numerous complaints on Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP) and the PEMRA Complaints Call Center and Feedback System but they were also criticised on social media.
“Hugs/caress scenes/extramarital relations, vulgar/bold dressing, bed scenes, and intimacy of married couple are being glamorised in utter disregard to Islamic teachings and culture of Pakistani society,” the regulator added.
PEMRA directed all Satellite TV channels to refrain from airing caress/hug scenes in dramas and properly review the content of the dramas through in house monitoring committee and edit or amend the same by giving due consideration to the reservations and apprehensions of the viewers.
“Forgoing in view, all Satellite TV licensees are required to stop airing such content in dramas, henceforth, and ensure compliance of PEMRA laws in letter and spirit,” it added.
PM seeks to shield innocent minds from pornographic content
The development comes after Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed authorities to ensure effective gate-keeping of online content to shield innocent minds against the “ruthless onslaught” of immoral and pornographic content online.
“Character building is very crucial in the modern tech-savvy era. The proliferation of tech gadgets and 3G/4G internet technology has made all sort of content available to everyone,” the prime minister said.
