Yasir Hussain Defends ‘Hadsa’ Producers After PEMRA Ban
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) shut down the Hadiqa Kiani starrer in response to public outcry over its controversial subject matter, which allegedly drew inspiration from the real-life 2020 motorway incident in Pakistan.
The Pakistani entertainment industry found itself at the center of controversy as Wajahat Rauf and Shazia Wajahat came under public scrutiny for exploiting a real-life tragedy. Yasir Hussain, however, has expressed his support for his old friends.
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In a heartfelt message shared on his Instagram stories, Yasir Hussain emphasized the Hadsa producers’ integrity and commitment to their craft, stating,
Wajahat and Shazia are my very old friends. And I can say one thing with confidence they do not work for ratings. These people have hearts; they would not cause the heart any pain.
Yasir went on to argue against banning the show after it has been produced, saying, “In these expensive times, to destroy someone’s hard work is not right. To write a drama and get it approved by PEMRA would be better than to have a show banned once it’s made.”
Hadsa came under scrutiny due to its alleged parallels with the 2020 motorway rape case. Lead actor Hadiqa Kiani and the show’s creators vehemently denied any direct connection between the drama’s plot and the real-life incident.
However, when a journalist highlighted how the survivor of the motorway incident felt upon seeing the show on-air, public outrage intensified.
PEMRA responded to the public’s concerns by evaluating the drama serial and subsequently banning it. The regulatory authority characterized the show’s storyline as “highly inappropriate, disturbing, and not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society.”
The notice issued by PEMRA also cited concerns about the potential impact on the survivor and Pakistan’s global image.
Wajahat Rauf, one of the show’s creators, clarified that while the incident in Hadsa occurred on a highway, the show’s characters, family dynamics, police officers, and trial were entirely fictional. He emphasized that the series aimed to raise awareness about such heinous crimes and was not meant to be insensitive toward victims.
The controversy surrounding Hadsa continues to provoke discussions about artistic freedom, sensitivity in media, and the responsibility of creators and regulatory bodies in addressing sensitive subjects in our society.
Source: Lens
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