Atiqa Odho responds to PEMRA’s ban on dramas

KARACHI: Earlier this month, PEMRA issued a ban on airing two drama serials including Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay. According to Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance, the content was not in line with religious and social values. Moreover, drama serial Jalan that is presently on-air on ARY Digital is also being scrutinized on the basis of complaints against the content. If the channel does not revisit the content, PEMRA may ban that too.

In a recent turn of events, veteran artist Atiqa Odho responded to the notice. She played a key role in recently concluded drama serial Pyar Ke Sadqay that is also under attack.

The industry veteran questioned PEMRA on muzzling voices that reflect the change our society needs. “Television drama brings up important social problems which need correction. It helps educate people about mental health, social injustices, hypocrisy, abuse, misuse of power, etc, etc etc. If we start to brush things under the carpet and not bring them out for discussion, we will never grow as a nation towards positive change.

Stop treating viewers as if they are dumb and don’t have exposure to the rest of the world! #Pemra should be making policies to create more social awareness through Pakistani drama and not reducing content to falsified garbage.”

The notice further stated that PEMRA has already warned content creators to avoid anything that goes against religious and social values. It reiterated that they have been receiving complaints against content that questions the dignity of certain relationships. Channel owners, production houses have been informed about what is acceptable and what’s not. If anyone does not abide by the guidelines, PEMRA will ban the project without any notice.

It is important to note that Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay concluded earlier this year and are prohibited from re-airing. Jalan, however, is presently on air. Contrary to what the notice mentions, that they are receiving complaints against the content, Jalan is consistently topping the rating chart.