Lately, PEMRA has been at the tail of drama content. Just a few days ago, the authority banned re-runs of HUM TV’s Pyar Key Sadqay and ARY Digital’s Ishqiya. The notice mentioned claims of complaints that the audience had sent forth about the content.
Hit drama Jalan has got the brunt of PEMRA, as the authority announced a ban last night.
The authority further stated that the content was not in line with the values and standards of Pakistani society, hence such content will not be entertained.
PEMRA’s warning to Jalan
The notice also mentioned that ARY Digital’s highly rated drama ‘Jalan’ has been issued a warning as well. The makers were advised to revise their script and make it appropriate for the Pakistani audience. PEMRA also made an all-out warning to all channels that if their content is found to be against the approved guidelines, it will be banned without any warning.
PEMRA Imposes Ban on Jalan
This notice was issued last week, but it seems that the authority did not notice any changes in the content and went ahead with another notice last night,
As per PEMRA, Minal Khan and Emmad Irfani starrer has been found to be against the societal and religious standards.
The notice reiterated the prior warnings that the channel was given, yet no heed was paid. Moreover, it was also revealed that all drama channels were issued a notice regarding this issue on August, 18.
Jalan’s plotline revolves around Nisha (played by Minal Khan) who lures her brother in law Asfar (Emmad Irfani) and starts an illicit affair right under her sister’s nose( Misha: played by Areeba Habib).
Social media has been abuzz regarding the problematic storyline since it started airing. Jalan has been directed by Bandish famed Aabis Raza and is produced by Fahad Mustafa and Dr Ali Kazmi’s Big Bang Entertainment. The channel and those related to the project have not made any statement in this regard as yet.
PEMRA has recently been taking stern actions against drama serials that do not comply with its standards. Drama serials such as Ishqiya and Pyar Kay Sadqay were banned as they were against the morals of the society. Now, they have banned another ARY Digitial show ‘Jalan‘ for the same reasons.
Jalan, starring Minal Khan, Emmad Irfani, Areeba Habib, and Fahad Shaikh, had been airing since 17th June 2020. Despite having some well-known celebrities, the show sparked an outrage amongst the general public.
People had been filing complaints through Pakistan Citizens Portal, PEMRA social media accounts, and PEMRA call centers. Everyone was taken aback by the storyline which mainly revolved around an extramarital affair between a man and his sister-in-law.
According to their statement, PEMRA had warned ARY Digitial multiple times to revise the content of drama serial Jalan, however, they failed to do so.
As there was no improvement in the script of the dramas by the channels, a final instruction was given to the channels on August 18 to produce the content of the dramas in accordance with the values of Pakistan.
In addition to this, PEMRA has also warned the stakeholders and ordered them to review the content of their drama serials. Under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance, the telecast or retelecast of any show that promotes pornographic, obscene, vulgar, or offensive content will be banned.
Jalan was banned on Thursday, 10th September after broadcasting 13 episodes on ARY Digital. What do you think of this decision? Let us know in the comments section.
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