Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority [PEMRA] started an investigation after the viral fight between Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and Marvi Sirmed. An action has finally been implemented against NEO TV who was responsible for airing the show Rabia Ehtisham Kay Sath.
The fight between the screenwriter and the activist spread on the internet like wildfire. Pakistan was divided into two groups – those who supported the writer hurling abuses at a woman, and those who didn’t.
However, amidst all the social media debates, the electronic media watchdog PEMRA revealed that it could not impose a fine on the host or the panelists of the show. However, the channel was not spared.
Such content runs up against the rules set by television regulatory authority, PEMRA, which can legally fine a licensee and suspend a show after what took place on Neo. The talk show host and guests are not, however, liable.
Since Neo TV’s Management is responsible for editing and censoring the content, they were presented with a show-cause notice. After discussing the matter with the Council of Complaints (CoC) Lahore, PEMRA has imposed a fine of Rs. 0.5 million against Neo.
The council disposed of the matter with a recommendation to impose a fine of Rs 1 million to the channel on violating provisions of Pemra Ordinance 2002, rules, regulations and licence terms and conditions and electronic media (programmes and advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015. The council further recommends issuing a warning to the channel to strictly observe the laws and code of conduct in regard to genders and strict policy should be adopted by the channel in this regard.
It is also important to note that the fine was reduced from Rs. 1 million to 0.5 million. Whatever the fine amount may be, this punishment will send out the message that hurling abuses and passing derogatory remarks will not be tolerated. Not even if you are Khalil ur Rehman.
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