The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has barred actor Hamza Ali Abbasi and TV show host Shabbir Abu Talib from hosting their Ramzan shows on Aaj TV and News One, respectively.
In a statement issued on Friday, PEMRA said that it had received around 1,133 complaints through Whatsapp, Twitter and telephone calls regarding the transmissions.
The complainants said that both the shows aired provocative content.
“During these transmissions, ratings remain the focus under the guise of Ramzan shows,” read the PEMRA statement, adding that “provocative conversations took place during the shows which has led to much anger”.
The regulatory body asked both Aaj TV and TV One to implement the decision by 7pm on Friday.
“Even after clear instructions from PEMRA, unfortunately TV channel owners, anchors and audience indulged in non-serious and irresponsible conversation,” added the statement.
Hamza, who co-hosts the post-Iftar transmission, Ramzan Hamara Emaan with Aisha Khan for Aaj TV, was holding discussions on the Ahmadi community and blasphemy laws during his show.
“Why is Ahmadi such a taboo word? Ideological stances aside, my only goal is that when an Ahmadi is killed or persecuted, the media shouldn’t be scared to talk about it,” Hamza had said.