Dawn Images

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has advised all Sindhi-language TV channels not to portray Sindhis as “extremists and miscreants”.

The regulator has also advised these channels to respect the code of conduct agreed upon in 2015 and refrain from promoting themes and subjects that glorify violence in Sindhi plays, according to a press release issued on Thursday.

Pemra said it had received complaints that a number of television plays aired recently portrayed Sindhis as extremists and miscreants in violation of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.

“The public has expressed concern over the theme and topic of these dramas and complained that such programmes are tarnishing the image of Sindhis,” the press release said.

“All Sindhi channels are therefore advised to give consideration to the viewers’ apprehensions and review the theme of their dramas keeping in view the provisions of Electronic Media Code of Conduct and cultural values of society.”

The regulator asked TV channels to set up in-house editorial committees for improvement of content and intimate it about progress within 15 days.

Originally published in Dawn, December 1st, 2017