Islamabad, Aug 5: A recent directive from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) said that TV broadcasters have been demeaningly depicting characters wearing police uniforms in comedic skits and satirical shows.
The decree stated, “It has been observed with grave concern that satellite TV channels are using the uniforms of state institutions and law enforcement agencies in a disgraceful manner while producing and airing satire programs.” Pemra reported that she has received a lot of complaints about this problem from viewers.
The watchdog cautioned TV networks against portraying people or language that belittle the honor of public institutions, especially the police, since it taints the public’s opinion of the force.The regulation said, “As airing such content compromises the dignity of the uniform, all satellite TV channel licensees are hereby directed to immediately stop using uniforms of state institutions and law enforcement agencies in their comedy shows and satire programs.”
Pemra reminded the TV stations that in addition to the terms and conditions of their licenses, they must abide by the Pemra Rules, Pemra Ordinance 2002, and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015. Sections 27, 29-A, and 30 of the Pemra Ordinance, which provide the regulator the right to forbid stations from broadcasting specific content and to cancel their licenses in the event of non-compliance, could be invoked in the event of any infractions, the authority said.
