KARACHI: A leading Pakistani television channel has decided to cancel a special show prepared for the holy month of Ramadan featuring controversial actor and model Veena Malik following a public outcry.
Promos for Malik's new TV show, which featured her trying to look her religious best, had gone viral on the Internet. The trailers of the show, in which Malik was seen repenting for her sins, sparked an outcry across the country.
The show was to be aired on a local channel, a part of a media group. The decision to drop the show was taken in the face of a mounting public criticism.
"TV is for the awaam. If the awaam does not want to see Veena Malik on this Ramadan show, then we will cancel it," said a member of the production team, adding that they respect the wishes of the populace.
The people expressed their annoyances over the blogs, news reports, comments and social networking websites. They were of the opinion that the controversial queen was completely misfit for such a religious programme.
"The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has received Internet petitions calling for the show to be cancelled," a Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) official said.
The 28-year-old rose to prominence in India after participating in the reality TV show Bigg Boss. She recently angered conservatives in Pakistan by posing semi-nude for an Indian men's magazine.