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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued a statement. It says that the quality of Pakistani dramas is ‘deteriorating’ every day.
Pemra statement released Monday night read, “Themes of drama serials/ plots are quite bold. And not reflective of majority of Pakistani society.”
“Alien cultures/ societies, portraying fictional society are influencing plots/ themes of Pakistani dramas,” it added.
The statement further said, “Besides unnecessary glamour,dramas are showing bold scenes. Ignoring religious, social, cultural and ethical values of the country.”
The regulatory authority further said that it has been receiving numerous complaints from the general public.
“Viewers are of the opinion that dramas are not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society. Glamourizing indecent scenes//dialogues/extramarital relations, violence and exploitation. Ignoring ethical bindings of Pakistani society as well as Pemra laws,” it added.
Pemra called on all channels to “endure their corporate social responsibility and produce such content which is strictly in line with the Pakistani culture, standards of decency and Pemra laws”.
It further stated that dramas are glamorizing indecent scenes, dialogues, extramarital relations, violence and exploitation 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.
Writer-cum-actor Osman Khalid Butt criticized the “sweeping generalization” and questioned the “true picture of the Pakistani society “.
“Not every drama serial is meant to be watched with the family,” Butt tweeted.
What, pray tell, is the 'true picture of Pakistani society'?
Not every drama serial is meant to be watched with the family. Pinky & Babloo can be put to bed before, no? How is television content expected to diversify when we get sweeping generalizations like this: https://t.co/0sHwMVGtDc— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 3, 2018
He added ‘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’.
