y

eo PAKISTAN ELECTRONIC MEDIA Moseeenen”

REGULATORY AUTHORITY Islamabad.
on ISLAMABAD

B. No. 2(05)/PR-2018/1

‘Tel: 9107128

PRESS RELEASE

ADVISES TV INELS TO STOP OBJECTIONABLE CONTENT

IN TV DRAMAS

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) in an advice issued to all

TV
channels today has asked not to air dramas containing controversial themes,
indecent
dressing & gestures, sensitive/ controversial plots, divorce, infidelity, extra
marital affairs,
and unnecessary detailing of the event(s). Such content is not only distressing for
the viewers
but is also against the commonly accepted standards of decency.

The prevalent rampant trend of airing quite 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 through social media/ whatsapp. The
viewers
have severely criticized content being shown in dramas these days. They are of the
opinion
that dramas are not depicting true picture of Pakistani society. Indecent scenes/
dialogues/
extramarital relations, violence, inappropriate dressing, rape scenes, caressing,
bed scenes,
use of drugs and alcohol, intimate moments between couples are being glamorized in
utter
disregard to Pakistani culture and values. Besides, established religious beliefs
regarding
"Divorce and Halala’ are being distorted through weak plots/ story lines, creating
confusion
among the viewers about religious principles.

Majority of the scripts revolve around women, having same story pick, plot or
purpose. These
dramas depict hackneyed image of women and have confined themselves to feminist
issues
only, therefore, ignoring children, teenagers and men. The script writers are
confined to saas
bahu vendetta, extra marital affairs, divorce and infidelity etc.

AIL 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 positive image of
society
inculcating optimism and constructive approach with the objective to build
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.

{Al

(Mi \d Thhir)
General Manager (Media & PR)