The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a ban on the immediate broadcast or re-broadcast of the drama series ‘Hadsa’ in accordance with relevant laws.
The decision to prohibit the drama’s broadcast was primarily prompted by objectionable content, as stated in an official notification shared on the authority’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account.
The complaint against the drama series was initiated by Barrister Khadija Siddiqui, an advocate of the high court, through Barrister Muhammad Ahmed Pansota, a Supreme Court advocate in Pakistan. The complaint urged action under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and other applicable legal provisions.
Additionally, PEMRA received numerous complaints from viewers regarding the plot and theme of the drama series on its Twitter handle. Viewers criticized the portrayal of a real incident that occurred on the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway in the drama.
— Report PEMRA (@reportpemra) August 30, 2023
Moreover, the public expressed concerns that depicting such a heinous act in the drama would not only retraumatize the unfortunate victim but also negatively impact Pakistan’s global image, potentially leading foreign viewers to perceive Pakistan as an unsafe place for women.
PEMRA stated that it had closely monitored the drama series and found its storyline and plot to be highly inappropriate, disturbing, and not reflective of the true nature of Pakistani society. The drama had also sparked considerable controversy on social media, and PEMRA, as the regulatory authority, faced criticism for not taking action.
Consequently, the matter, driven by public outrage and sentiments, was submitted to the authority for consideration.
In conclusion, the broadcast and re-broadcast of the drama series ‘Hadsa’ have been immediately prohibited under Section 27 of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, as amended by the PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007. The issue will be further referred to the Council of Complaints for appropriate recommendations to the Authority for a final decision.