TV shows not reflective of Muslim culture, society: CJP

KARACHI: The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, on Saturday observed that the dresses used by the models and actresses in the private TV award shows do not reflect the Muslim culture and society.

Hearing the application of artists and producers of the private productions against telecasting foreign and Indian content on the Pakistani TV channels, the Chief Justice observed that we are living in a Muslim society and the dresses and content aired by the private TV channels does not reflect it as an Islamic culture or society.

The Chief Justice observed that he is not campaigning for a TV actress to wear Burka on the TV show, but obscenity on private TV channels will not be allowed. He observed that the private TV channels are telecasting programs and content which is not reflective of our culture and society and it seems the private TV channels are drifting away from our culture. The court observed that its seem that the foreign culture is influencing the TV programmes. The court also inquired from actor Adnan Siddiqui, who was a panelist on a model contest at a private TV channel, whether the culture he is promoting in his program is in conformity with our society and values.

The Chief Justice observed that he does not want the TV channels to impose Moulvi culture in the programs, but despite being liberal no such content, which is against our norms and values should be allowed. The TV artists submitted that the notice be also issued to the advertisement companies as they pressurize the TV channels for promotion of such programmes.

The court issued notices to Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, private TV channels and others on the application of the TV artists and producers and asked them to file an amended application if they desired. The court observed that the application will be decided keeping in view the relevant laws of the country. The court ordered that case be fixed at the Islamabad principal seat for further hearing.