Hum TV in Pakistan fined 1mn for airing ‘objectionable' content

Screenshot of Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain

Islamabad: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on Friday imposed a fine of Rs one million on Hum TV for airing "objectionable clips" in one of its drama series. According to the Pemra press release, after a number of complaints from the public, a show-cause notice was sent to Hum TV on February 20, 2017, seeking an explanation within seven days. After hearing Hum TV's representatives, analysing their written reply and reviewing the objectionable clips, a personal hearing committee unanimously agreed that the content was in violation of the clauses 3(1)(a), 3(1)(e), 12 and 17 of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015. "On account of the airing of the episode "Chew Gum" in the drama serial "Kitni Girhein Baqi Hein" having indecent content... a fine of Rs 1,000,000 (rupees one million) is imposed on Hum TV, payable within three weeks from the issuance of this decision," said the press release. It added that the channel was also warned to be more vigilant in the selection of the theme of its dramas or soaps, keeping in view the provisions of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015, socio-cultural norms and values of the country. Earlier on Friday, Pemra handed Geo News a Rs one million fine and also put a five-day ban on its morning show "Geo Pakistan" for airing objectionable/indecent content.