ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in an advisory issued to all TV channels on Tuesday asked not to air dramas containing controversial themes, indecent dressing and gestures, sensitive plots, divorce, infidelity, extramarital affairs, and unnecessary detailing of any controversial event(s).
“Such content is not only distressing for the viewers but also against the commonly accepted standards of decency,” said a statement issued by PEMRA here on Tuesday.
It said that the prevalent rampant trend of airing bold themes in Pakistani drama industry has resulted in massive public complaints on Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP), PEMRA Complaints Call Center and Feedback System as well as social media and WhatsApp.
It further said that the majority of viewers who watch television have severely criticised the content being shown in dramas these days. They are of the opinion that dramas are not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society. Indecent scenes, dialogues, extramarital relations, violence, rape, caressing, use of drugs and alcohol, intimate moments between couples are being shown in utter disregard to Pakistani culture and values.
Besides, established religious beliefs regarding divorce and halala are being distorted through weak plots, creating confusion among the viewers about religious principles.
Viewers complain that the majority of the scripts revolve around women with a hackneyed image and have confined themselves to feminist issues and they ignore children, teenagers and men.
All TV channels are, therefore, required to stop airing such content in dramas and produce content in consonance with the socio-cultural norms as per aspirations of Pakistani society.
Creative and diversified stories should be picked to promote a positive image of society inculcating optimism and constructive approach with the objective to build a prosperous and tolerant nation. TV Channels are advised to ensure compliance of provisions laid down in PEMRA laws and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct, 2015.
