Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has disallowed 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 PEMRA has confirmed receiving 1,133 complaints through Whatsapp, Twitter and telephone calls regarding the transmissions.
The complainants said both shows had aired provocative content.
“During these transmissions, ratings remain the focus under the guise of Ramazan shows,” read the Pemra statement, adding that “provocative conversations took place during the shows which has led to much anger and sadness”.
The regulatory body asked Aaj TV and TV One to implement the decision by 7pm 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 further adds if the hosts Hamza Ali Abbasi, Shabbir Abu Talib and religious preacher Maulana Kokab Noorani appear on any other channel and discuss this particular controversial issue or any other such topic, then that programme will also be banned.
The regulatory authority has notified the concerned individuals in this regard and has asked them to appear before the Complaints Council Karachi and record their statements on June 20, after which Pemra will announce its decision.
Hamza, co-host of Aaj TV’s post-Iftar transmission, Ramzan Hamara Emaan with Aisha Khan for Aaj TV, was holding discussions on the Ahmadi community and blasphemy laws during his show.
“Why is Ahmadi such a taboo word? Ideological stances aside, my only goal is that when an Ahmadi is killed or persecuted, the media shouldn’t be scared to talk about it,” he had said.
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