Pemra bans repeat telecast of Ishqiya and Pyar Ke Sadqay for being 'against social and religious values'

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has imposed a ban on the repeat telecast of ARY Digital's drama serial Ishqiya and HUM TV's drama serial Pyar Ke Sadqay, saying the action was being taken over the productions carrying content that went against social and religious values.

According to a notification issued by the authority, the action was taken under Section 27 of the Pemra ordinance. The notification added that the two drama serials could also not be aired on ARY Zindagi and HUM Sitaray.

The statement further said that in light of complaints that have been received by the authority against ARY Digital's drama serial Jalan, Pemra would be reviewing its content and will decide any future course of action once the review is completed.

The statement said that audiences have been criticising some of the content shown in drama serials as well as the central ideas of some of the productions, adding that viewers are agitated over the treatment of relationships that society views as sacred.

"Viewers are registering their complaints in this regard on the citizens portal and to Pemra via the authority's social media accounts and its call centre," the statement added.

Pemra went on to say that all media houses have been told to review their material and that in the future and irrespective of the costs involved, if a production is found to have content that goes against Pakistani values and fails to fulfill the expectations of the public then it will be restricted without any prior warning.