Newly-launched Hero TV of the Express media group has decided not to air its special program for Ramadan, ‘Astaghfaar’, in the face of a mounting public outcry and an online petition that had garnered plenty of support against its controversial host, Veena Malik.
The promo for Veena’s Ramadan special made rounds on every social networking website, prompting hundreds of blog entries and sealing the deal for skyrocketing ratings for Hero TV before even being launched.
The criticism it received, however, outweighed appreciation by a mile, with several community pages on Facebook, derisive internet meme’s and thousands of posts and comments devoted to grounding the show before it aired.
PEMRA subsequently took up the issue with Hero TV, after receiving over 3,000 complaints on its official website.
A naysayer on the website complained saying, “Hero TV intends to air a program in Ramadan hosting Veena Malik. The program and channel might have a positive vision about this, but I strongly feel that this program will actually be another act of making fun of Islam. Any program that has a clear vision to promote channel rankings by making fun of Islam or any other religion must not be allowed to go on air, especially in Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
Talking to Pakistan Today, PEMRA spokesman Fakhruddin Mughal said that Hero TV’s ‘Astaghfaar’ went against the authority’s code of conduct and hurt public sentiment and aspirations.
He said that Hero TV was informed about the massive criticism invoked on social media as well as by religious and social groups, and it decided to take the show down without further ado.
The promos and trailers of the show, in which Veena appeared with a teary face, sparked an outrage across social media platforms. Several blog posts alleged that this was only a marketing stunt and Hero TV had never intended to air the show.
However, the PEMRA spokesman denied this statement, revealing that Veena had indeed been hired for the program.
Looks like the queen of scandal, Veena, will not be repenting her sins on cable TV after all. While the online roster for complaints on the PEMRA website had indeed gained enough objections to take action, a lot of her fans on Twitter vociferously tweeted against this move, asking for Aamir Liaquat and Maya Khan’s respective shows to be taken off air as well.
Its better to be safer than sorry. I think its a very wise move from the channel. Later this may have resulted in attacks on the channel offices or so.
WELL SAID BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.
Wear a condom.
thanks to social media that now the common ppl are heard now they can raise their voice collectively . i think it also has damaged the interests of big media houses thats why geo and jang group has gone to court against social media. yes they are not openly not demanding ban on Facebook type web sites but it is quite obvious our courts are proactive and as thanks giving gesture they are going beyond limits like no case against Nawaz Sharif , no suo moto against Punjab government in any misery of people. In the same way judiciary may give verdict against social media network if not banning them it will try to curb the freedom of speech on social media networks
There must be move against other tv channels doing the same job
power of people worked this time. i am happy 🙂
These channels should stop playing on the sensitivities of people about religion by this mad rush for ratings. The very idea to allow Veena of FHM fame to host a program on Ramadan was repulsive.
Why??? because you are a much holier person,a bigger muslim or did you open up the book of deeds and compare your long list of perfect muslim deeds to her long list of dirty laundry.Quit being ignorant and leave the judging to ALLAH.Lets face it,if you look deep down inside,you ain't exactly an prophet either.
What is the difference between Veena Malik, Babar Awan and Dr Amir Liaquat. All of them have weak faiths and would do anything to make quick bucks.
We have seen the character of Amir Liaqat Hussain in his video. People who are condemning Veena are being hypocrates. Majority of Pakistanis still want Amir Liaqat and that speaks about our Nation louder than any analysis.
Bad decision. What wrong Veena has done? She is like Rehman Malik, Riaz Malik and Zardari plus Imran Khan etc.
i dont know how lower we so called muslims can stoope…that a women of no character finds so much of sympathizers in ppl of pakistan!
First,learn to write proper english,second,there is no upper or lower muslim,each muslim is for themselves,meaning,we are all responsible for our own actions.Its not about sympathy,its about judging people like Veena by people like you.She has the right to repent just like anyone.The Holy Quran shows us how to go about becoming a better person no matter who you are and what you did in the past.So,save your breath.
bro,what i meant was that we as muslims are getting morally degraded,cheap and loosing on our self esteem with time.there cannot be second opinion on when a sinner seeks repentance from almighty;but that lady is doings solely for monetary purposes(so clear not to see)and the the way,she is going about it can only add some more sins in her aimal nama and for all those who watch it(as the show by any means is haram to watch or to be a part of).as for my english;i dont think;i am that bad at it….
Guys it was publicity stunt by the new channel to gain viewership. I am sure wheather there were protests or not, This show was not gonna happen. All she did was a promo. Express media corp is clever bunch of crooks who knows how to draw..i.e. create more controversial shows.
Either way Veena has added to her popularity by this move.
Thank goodness, common sense has prevailed over looks and money. All of a sudden trying to look pious in the month of Ramadhan raises too many eyebrows.
It is suggested to the media that they stop publishing news of this woman during Ramadhan Kareem. Salams
what about maya khan and aamir liaqat
I hope people show this much concern on election day and actually do something productive rather then sit here like 2 old ladies taking about the whole MAHALLA.
Why not Toba for veena; when allowed even to the most sinister human being on earth by Allah himself?
SHAHID HUSSEIN QABOOLPURIA,
LAHORE, PAKISTAN
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