Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Tuesday issued a notice carrying directions from Islamabad High Court, to all satellite TV channels for regulation of morning shows' contents. The notice stated, "There are serious complaints which [are] a matter of serious concern for all the families that different channels through morning shows are involved in such activities which [are] against the decency, morality, values of Islam and cultural heritage of Pakistan."
Without specifying the names of offending morning shows, the notice further stated, "Some items of different channels clearly fall within the definition of obscenity/pornography; therefore, the PEMRA is directed to submit report in this regard and take immediate steps to prevent telecast of such contents and if any channel fails to [follow] the instructions, penal action may be taken against that channel."
All satellite TV channels are responsible for ensuring that the contents of morning shows and other programs follow Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015 and other PEMRA laws. Furthermore, the notice added directions of Islamabad High Court that all satellite TV channels to dedicate 10 percent of their airtime to public service messages. The notice warned that non-compliance will lead to prosecution under PEMRA laws.