PEMRA says Pakistani dramas are "bold" and "not depicting the true picture of our society"

PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) has issued a blanket statement advising all entertainment channels to produce drama content responsibly.

The statement, which was released Monday night says, "that the quality of Pakistani dramas is deteriorating everyday."

PEMRA's reason is that the themes in the dramas are "quite bold" and "not reflective of majority of the Pakistani society."

It further reads: "Viewers are of the opinion that dramas are not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society. Indecent scenes//dialogues/extramarital relations, violence and exploitation are being glamourised ignoringethical bindings of Pakistani society as well as PEMRA laws."

Also read: Child abuse drama Udaari gets PEMRA notice for 'immoral content' and that's the problem

But this is not the first time PEMRA has labelled entertainment content "immoral" and indecent". Child abuse drama Udaari also received a warning for 'objectionable' content, while Nickelodeon was fined Rs500,000 for "a cartoon character is indecently dressed" in a bikini on a beach.

Also read: PEMRA imposes Rs500,000 fine on Nickelodeon over this cartoon

Osman Khalid Butt, however, is having none of it.

He wrote: "What, pray tell, is the 'true picture of Pakistani society'? Not every drama serial is meant to be watched with the family. Pinky & Babloo can be put to bed before, no?"

He added, "Good television w/ strong content holds a mirror up to society, and is meant to be uncomfortable. If you don't like what you see, change the channel."

Others too have called out PEMRA for issuing an ignorant statement: