–Mixed reactions start pouring in on Twitter
LAHORE: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed all satellite television channels of the country to refrain from producing “bold and indecent” content in their dramas, which, according to the media watchdog, are “not reflective of the Pakistani society”.
“Plots of Pakistani dramas are influenced by alien cultures. Unnecessary glamour, as well as bold scenes, are being shown in the TV serials while ignoring religious, social, cultural and ethical values of the country,” read a notification issued by PEMRA on Monday evening.
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) September 3, 2018
It further stated that indecent scenes, dialogues, extramarital relations, violence and exploitation were being glamorised while disregarding “ethical bindings of the Pakistani society”.
“The TV channels are required to endure their corporate social responsibility and produce such content that is strictly in line with the Pakistani culture, standards of decency and PEMRA laws,” said the notification.
Reacting to the warning of the regulatory authority, hundreds of people took to social media in a bid to express their views.
Moral policing and censorship continues. PEMRA disappoints once again by trying to stifle the arts, creativity and freedom of expression! @pemrapakistan @reportpemra https://t.co/BQHNd5iCBL
— Nida Kirmani (@nidkirm) September 3, 2018
Moral policing begins? @PTIofficial https://t.co/OQaQkbIY4d
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) September 3, 2018
Friendly reminder that this is the same body that tried to ban Udaari because of similar ‘complaints’ from naik parveens et al. Good television w/ strong content holds a mirror up to society, and is meant to be uncomfortable. If you don’t like what you see, change the channel.
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 3, 2018
The latest #PEMRA notification warning against “bold scenes”, indecency etc makes #Pakistan channels sound much more exciting than they are. I almost never watch Pak channels but everyone who objects to content should buy a remote control instead of accepting moral policing.
— Waqqas Mir (@wordoflaw) September 3, 2018
I don’t know what society Pemra is living in because I have seen things in Pakistan no channel can ever imagine showing https://t.co/yPb6spymum
— Anaari (@sab_maaya_hai) September 3, 2018
Amid all the criticism, a few users stepped in to support PEMRA’s notification as well.
What’s wrong in it,PEMRA did absolutely right thing?I wish they could get it enforced. Do you really think that everything is OK with our dramas?Yes they r good choreographed but story/content is seriously objectionable,may be not for you but still for majority of the Pakistanis.
— Nouman Nasir (@nouman_pakistan) September 3, 2018
Absolutely befitting step by PEMRA. You guys have become so redundant with your drama concepts; family masala, boyfriend/girlfriend, love triangles and whatnot. There’s hardly any creativity now, every drama starts with Ishq, Muhabbat, Pyaar etc. Sci-fi, action, advntr, why no?
— Imran Khan (@iKaysRant) September 3, 2018
Are you guys trying to promote the culture of Divorce, Extra-Martial Affairs & Domestic Violence?? If yes then I’m sooryy we are failing in our Drama’s & this PEMRA notice is somewhere correct for this!!!
— Nayab Fatima (@Nayab_fatima7) September 3, 2018