ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) hasissued a notice to all satellite TV channels regarding the content ofmorning shows’ comprising of directives from the Islamabad High Court (IHC)here on Tuesday.

The notice that was shared on PEMRA social media accounts reads: “There areserious complaints which [are] a matter of great concern for all thefamilies that different channels through morning shows are involved in suchactivities which [are] against the decency, morality, values of Islam andcultural heritage of Pakistan.”

“Some items of different channels clearly fall within the definition ofobscenity/pornography, therefore, PEMRA is directed to submit a report inthis regard and take immediate steps to prevent telecast of such contentsand if any channel fails to [follow] the instructions, a penal action maybe taken against the channel,” it states further.

The notice does not state the name of any particular channel that aired theoffensive material on morning shows, however, it makes it clear that allsatellite TV channels are responsible for ensuring that the content airedon morning shows, as well as, other programmes follow the ‘Electronic MediaCode of Conduct 2015’ and other PEMRA laws.

It was also notified that the IHC has directed all satellite TV channels todedicate 10% of their airtime to public service messages and thatnon-compliance will lead to prosecution under PEMRA laws.

Morning shows have been criticised time and again for normalizing indecentand cheap actions. Just recently, Sahir Lodhi was slammed for havingchildren dance in an adult-like provocative manner that portrayed them muchahead of their years. – Agencies