IHC asks Pemra to ensure channels telecast 10pc time for public service

ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench here on Monday directed Pemra to ensure that 10% of total time of telecast is spared for public service messages by all the channels which is mandatory under the code of conduct constituted under the supervision of apex court and all the parties, including Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) is signatory to that.

IHC Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui further directed Pemra to ensure that no TV channel is allowed to violate restrictions imposed by Article 19 of the Constitution which includes glory of Islam, decency and morality. The bench also directed that 10% of time to be consumed on public service messages must be as per proportion of hourly transmission i,e 10% in each hour of telecast.

The IHC bench issued these directions while hearing into a petition against obscenity on television channels seeking directions for Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to issue guidelines to the television channels regarding morning shows, dramas and advertisements during the month of Ramzan.

During today’s hearing petitioners counsel argued before the court that some advertisements being played are totally against the values of society and teachings of Islam which obviously is violation of article 19 of the constitution, electronic media code of conduct 2015 and even guidelines issued by the pemra itself.

At this IHC bench directed Pemra's counsel Ali Shah Gillani  to watch reported advertisements and point out to Pemra chairman for action and also submit a report before the court next date of hearing.

Petitioner prayed to the court to direct the respondents to keep a check on TV channels and bar them from airing obscene clips, immoral TV ads and airing foreign contents. IHC bench after issuing the above said directions put of in this matter till July 4.