Pemra bans repeat telecast of two TV dramas due to 'non-Pakistani values', orders industry-wide content review

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The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has banned the repeat telecast of HUM TV's serial Pyar Ke Sadqey and ARY's Ishqiya on the grounds that they contain "immoral" contrary to social and religious values.

In a statement released on Friday, the authority also revealed it had issued TV channel ARY an order to review Jalan in light of public complaints about its plot and content. If further complaints are received or if the script is "not brought in line with Pakistani values", the show will no longer be allowed to air according to Section 27 of the Pemra Ordinance, which prohibits the broadcast, re-broadcast or distribution of a programme or advertisement if it is deemed likely to pose a threat to law and order or national security, or is pornographic, obscene, vulgar or offensive.

Pemra said that most complaints it has received against the three drama serials are about plots centred around what viewers see as the debasement of familial relationships. "Pemra has repeatedly shared citizens' reservations regarding drama serial content with the relevant TV channels and has advised them to bring content in line with social, religious and moral values."

The regulatory authority added that media and production houses have once again been warned and asked to review their content, and that "no matter the time or capital invested in a serial, if its content is contrary to Pakistani values and viewers' expectations, the authority will ban it without warning."