Pemra bans actor, anchor, religious scholar

Provocative contents

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Friday barred actor Hamza Ali Abbasi and TV show host Shabbir Abu Talib from hosting their Ramazan shows on Aaj TV and News One respectively.

In a statement issued, the authority pointed out that it had received 1,133 complaints through Whatsapp, Twitter and telephone calls regarding the transmissions. The complainants said both shows had aired provocative contents.

"During these transmissions, ratings remain the focus under the guise of Ramazan shows," the Pemra statement noted and added, "Provocative conversations took place during the shows, which led to much anger and sadness".

The regulatory body asked Aaj TV and TV One to implement the decision by 7:00pm on June 17, 2016. "Even after clear instructions from Pemra, unfortunately TV channel owners, anchors and audience indulged in non-serious and irresponsible conversations," added the statement.

The Pemra notification adds if hosts, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Shabbir Abu Talib and religious preacher Maulana Kokab Noorani appeared on any other channel and discussed this particular controversial issue or any other such topic, that programme would also be banned.

The authority notified the individuals concerned in this regard and asked them to appear before the Complaints Council, Karachi and record their statements on June 20, after which Pemra would announce its decision.