A new government may have instilled the idea of Naya Pakistan in the nation, but it seems that PEMRA still wants to live in the past – or at least, that’s what their latest post seems to be saying.
Posting a notice on Twitter, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) lamented that the budding TV industry has gotten ‘bold’ and is ‘ignoring religious values.’
“Pakistani TV industry has always been recognized/appreciated for its quality and diversification,†the notice read.“…However, over the time, it has been observed that the quality of Pakistani dramas is deteriorating every day. Themes of Pakistani dramas are quite bold and not reflective of the majority of Pakistani society. Unnecessary glamour, bold scenes are being shown in the drama, ignoring religious, social, cultural and ethical values of the country.â€
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) September 3, 2018
The notice further mentioned that the authority has also received major complaints from the general audience.
“Pemra is receiving numerous complaints from general public,” it read. “Viewers are of the opinion that dramas are not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society. Indecent scenes, dialogues, extramarital relations, violence and exploitation are being glamourised, ignoring ethical bindings of Pakistani society as well as PEMRA laws.â€
Since then, TV actors like Osman Khalid Butt have spoken against the notice and in turn, questioned what PEMRA thinks is the ‘real Pakistani society.’
“What, pray tell, is the ‘true picture of Pakistani society’?†Osman tweeted. “Not every drama serial is meant to be watched with the family. Pinky and Babloo can be put to bed before, no? How is television content expected to diversify when we get sweeping generalisations like this.â€
Do you agree with the PEMRA announcement? Tell us in the comment section below.
