The Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has directed TV channels to observe modesty and refrain from showing closeness and intimacy on the screen.
The electronic media regulator issued a notice to all TV channels not to indulge in “airing objectionable dramas/content based on indecent dressing, caressing, bed scenes and gestures, sensitive/controversial plots and unnecessary detailing of event(s).”
The notice stated that it is highly disturbing, distressing for the viewers and against the accepted standards of decency.
“On the prevalent trends in the Pakistani drama industry, PEMRA is not only receiving complaints from the general public on the Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP) and PEMRA Complaints Call Center and Feedback System but also criticised on social media/WhatsApp groups,” stated the document.
“A considerable stratum of society believes that dramas are not depicting true picture of Pakistani society. Hugs/caress scenes, extramarital relations, vulgar/bold dressing, bed scenes and intimacy of married couples are being glamourised in utter disregard to Islamic teachings and the culture of Pakistani society,” it further continued.
Following the notice, several social media users took to Twitter to share their thoughts regarding the decision. Many criticised PEMRA for finding mild intimacy between on-screen married couples more problematic than the portrayal of domestic violence and abuse in Pakistani dramas.
https://twitter.com/ReemKhurshid/status/1451813898030620673?s=20
Oh dear. Hugging, caressing, other intimacy in Ertugrul Ghazi
— Reema Omer (@reema_omer) October 23, 2021
Govt says Ertugrul is “a great exhibition of Islamic culture/faith” but our regulator thinks depicting such conduct is against Pakistani values
What do we do now, @reportpemra?
Please guidehttps://t.co/XuHBstv3nh pic.twitter.com/IjHd8Dt2LQ
PEMRA finally got something right:
— Reema Omer (@reema_omer) October 22, 2021
Intimacy and affection between married couples isn’t “true depiction of Pakistani society” and must not be “glamourised”
Our “culture” is control, abuse and violence, which we must jealously guard against imposition of such alien values pic.twitter.com/MJQekyT1nH
PEMRA is right.
— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) October 23, 2021
Hugs, caress scenes, bold dressing and intimacy between married couples shouldn't be glorified and should be banned as this is not our culture.
Maulvi raping kids in madrassas, husband beating wives, thats our culture, now that's some cultural content.
https://twitter.com/daanistan/status/1451644289092567050?s=20
