No live audiences during Ramazan transmissions, warns PEMRA

Display of extravagant gifts, cars, bikes also banned as world is suffering from scarcity, added the authority.

Updated 16 Apr, 2020

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned live audiences to attend Ramazan transmissions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

"There should strictly be no live audience during regular Ramazan transmissions at Sehr and Iftar timings as public gatherings for any purpose are deemed hazardous and probable source for spreading the disease not only among the audience but to the crew member/ staff of the channels," they ordered.

Moreover, channels have been advised to disinfect and sanitise equipment, while providing safety kits to the staff engaged in the transmission, in any capacity.

The authority has also prohibited the distribution of extravagant gifts on Ramazan shows.

"No display of gifts, bikes, cars as world is suffering from hunger, scarcity of resources and joblesness and this would give a very negative impact. Instead, concepts of social uplifting during the crisis may be introduced," the authority said.

Any show indulging in hate speech or not complying to the said instructions will be prohibited immediately.

Comments

Jo Apr 16, 2020 02:38pm

Go back to basics - provide informative and interesting programmes during Ramadan. Consider how to make a difference within families, neighbours, friends and local communities Pray at home Activities for children Supporting non-muslim minorities No glitzy, glamour or hate based programmes.

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Rehana Apr 16, 2020 02:50pm

VERY GOOD DECISION BY PEMRA.

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Syed A. Mateen Apr 16, 2020 03:21pm

I totally agree with PEMRA's decision to ban live audiences for attending Ramzan live transmissions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. During the holy month of Ramzan while number of Pakistanis in the country have died and uncounted people have been sent to quarantine, display of expensive items and distribution of same will create negative impact on sponsors of such TV programmes. The sponsors of such programmes should contribute equivalent sum they have been spending on annual basis for distribution of rations and cash among poor and needy people so that such people should be able to meet day to day expenses. Hopefully when holy month of Ramzan will come in the year 2021 such TV programmes can be sponsored again. The need of the hour is to save precious human lives and for that it required a lot of money for buying coronavirus testing kits and to purchase other protective units for doctors, paramedics staff and for those officials who are performing duties on the roads.

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Tariq Apr 16, 2020 04:33pm

Why this kind of non-sense is allowed in Ramadan. People should be made free to concentrate on their rituals of days to avail maximum benefits of the month. These programs are not worthy and violation of people gathering 144 and corona social distancing.

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JustWasif Apr 16, 2020 05:24pm

Very prudent

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Ibrahim S Apr 16, 2020 06:19pm

Did you get approval from the gang of 50

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jaredlee007 Apr 16, 2020 10:29pm

This is perhaps the GREATEST decision of PEMRA in crisis. Media should focus on keeping a low profile.

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Mahmood Apr 17, 2020 05:21am

Definitely agree with Petra, have meaningful programs not greed