Pakistan's media regulatory body has issued a gag order asking media houses to restrict satirical content that make fun of politicians or law enforcement bodies.
A new order issued by Pakistan's media regulatory boy PEMRA has advised media channels to not air "satirical content" that demeans politicians or individuals associated with law enforcement agencies.
The "advice of airing satirical content" order issued by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on June 12 has advised media houses to carefully select words and gestures while creating content or memes.
"Furthermore, an effective In-House Editorial Committee must also be constituted in order to ensure compliance of PEMRA laws which could sift unwarranted content," the order declared.
Ok. Is PEMRA also saying that TV channels shouldn't air even words such as 'Khalai Makhlooq', 'Farishtay' or 'Mehekma-e-zaraat'?
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Signed by Muhammad Tahir, General Manager, Operations-Broadcast Media, the order says it has been issued by "competent authority".
The latest gag order issued by Pakistani authorities has drawn the ire of Pakistani media persons on Twitter who are comparing it with the previous governments dominated by the Pakistani Army.
Pemra (read government) warns TV channels against broadcasting any satirical content, cartoons, memes, or comic depiction of leaders. And then they say one is exaggerating things by calling it fascism.
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Welcome to Naya Pakistan
WoW, the media are being advised,by PEMRA. This is called, controlled media
It was Asad Umar, said; “Media is free,” but he forgot to say that his govt. sends letter of Advice pic.twitter.com/ssP2rkmYaA
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PEMRA’s notice on satire is the most satirical thing I have come across in a while.
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One such journalist, Hasan Zaidi said on Twitter, "Pemra (read government) warns TV channels against broadcasting any satirical content, cartoons, memes, or comic depiction of leaders. And then they say one is exaggerating things by calling it fascism."
Another user wrote, "PEMRA's notice on satire is the most satirical thing I have come across in a while."
While banning satirical content, PEMRA has put the blame on the public, saying they have received complaints against such programmes.
"Public sentiments are agonized by the trend of demeaning leadership of the country. TV viewers are expressing loath and disapproval on comic and satirical depiction of political leadership as well as law enforcers," reads the order.
However, a few have also come out in support of the gag order and said freedom of expression should come with responsibility.
Lol tum karo to “teach abusive trolls a lesson”?
PEMRA Karey to fascism?
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Freedom of expression with responsibility. PEMRA has issued a good advice. Satirical content should be aired but in a good taste, with wit and intelligence. We deserve a better & intelligent humor rather than third rated content.
How will media take it though? pic.twitter.com/0JsvdnI9BU
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