Court expresses concern over social TV programmes
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday expressed concern over the humiliation of prostitutes in some television programmes.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC summoned the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory (Pemra) chairman on October 2, seeking explanation as to what mechanism is in place for allowing telecast of such programmes.
The court was hearing the applications of two TV channels seeking permission from Pemra for conversion of their licences from entertainment to news channels. While mentioning a TV programme telecast by a private television channel on September 15, Justice Siddiqui observed that the anchorperson in the programme assumed the role of police, an investigator, and also tried to become a judge. The anchorperson raided a brothel and during the interviews of the prostitutes, he was compelling them to admit their guilt.
Justice Siddiqui further observed that the conduct of anchorpersons covering the programmes on social issues is not in accordance with the moral and ethical values of the society and religion.
The court directed the Pemra chairman to submit reply as to how such programmes go on air and what monitoring mechanism is in place with Pemra. The court observed that anchorpersons under the pretext of exposing crimes disgrace specific people and intrude into private life of the citizens.The hearing was adjourned till October 2.
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