The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the repeat telecast of ARY Digital and Hum TV drama serials Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay citing that the content of the dramas is against the ‘morals’ of society.
Both Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay dramas cannot have a repeat telecast on the ARY Zindagi or HUM Sitary sub-channels either.
The notification issued by the regulatory body on Friday stated that the ban has been imposed under Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance.
Section 27, prohibition of broadcast media or distribution service operation, states that broadcasting or re-broadcasting or distributing of any programme is prohibited if PEMRA is of the opinion that the programme is pornographic, obscene, vulgar or is offensive to the commonly accepted standards of decency.
PEMRA is also reviewing complaints filed against ARY Digital’s ongoing drama series Jalan. The channel has been directed to review the content of the drama.
The channel has been warned that if further complaints are received regarding the said drama or the script is not made in accordance with Pakistani values, it will be dealt with under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance.
The press release also states that the content, especially the main storyline, of the Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay dramas, is being widely criticised by audiences on social media. “It is disturbing and frustrating for the audience to watch sacred relationships in a negative light,” reads the press release.
PEMRA said it has been getting complaints from viewers on a daily basis through the Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centres.
According to PEMRA, the channels were repeatedly informed about the concerns of viewers regarding the content. The channels were directed to produce the content according to Pakistan’s social, religious, social and moral values.
PEMRA has directed all TV channels, media houses and production houses to review the content of dramas in addition to banning the broadcast of Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay.
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