PEMRA issues notice to Hum TV drama 'Kitni Girhain Baki Hain' for homosexual content

PEMRA has issued a notice to Hum TV's drama Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain for airing homosexual content in one of its episodes.

The drama is a telefilm which features a collection of assorted love stories based on real life situations. The first season of these short stories kicked off in March 2011 and was soon followed by a second season in Oct 2016. The current season, however, has caused quite a furor among Pakistani viewers due to the objectionable content in one of its episodes titled 'Chewingum'.

The notice cited that the episode, which aired on 29th January 2017, shows two female actors, Sania Saeed and Farah Shah linked in a romantic relationship -- a subject matter which was met with "extreme criticism" as it touches upon the taboo topic of homosexuality and was immediately deemed inappropriate.

The broadcast violated the PEMRA ordinance 2002, PEMRA amended Act 2007 and Electronic Media Ethical Code 2015.

The issue states that "the topic of homosexuality is against our social, ethical and societal norms and values" due to which viewers lodged several complaints on Twitter asking PEMRA to take strict action against HUM TV.

PEMRA pointed out that HUM TV has been warned in the past to be mindful of airing sensitive content which is disliked by the public, however, the channel defied the warning.

The TV channel has been asked to clarify whether the drama has received foreign funding and what educational knowledge it is imparting on the viewers by airing such content and the purpose for highlighting this topic.

HUM TV has been given till 27th Feb 2017 to respond to the notice after which PEMRA will take action in its absence.