Earlier today, PEMRA released a notice to all Pakistani TV channels. This notice essentially asked for channels to be more responsible when creating TV content, keeping in mind that younger children watch TV. Furthermore, they asked channels to put forward a more ‘closer to reality’ depiction of Pakistani society and families.
What, pray tell, is the 'true picture of Pakistani society'?
Not every drama serial is meant to be watched with the family. Pinky & Babloo can be put to bed before, no? How is television content expected to diversify when we get sweeping generalizations like this: https://t.co/0sHwMVGtDc— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 3, 2018
He added to this, reminding people that this body has made questionable decisions before.
Friendly reminder that this is the same body that tried to ban Udaari because of similar 'complaints' from naik parveens et al. Good television w/ strong content holds a mirror up to society, and is meant to be uncomfortable. If you don't like what you see, change the channel.
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 3, 2018
There were some people who agreed with Osman
Well Osman, i guess we now have Pemra's permission to make dramas based on true Pakistani society.
I suggest:
1. Law and Order: Ahmadi Victims Unit
2. Sexual Harasser's Day Out
3. CSI: Kasur
4. Big Conspiracy Theory and finally the ever popular
5. Better Call Sau…di— Tony Khan (@anthonypermal) September 3, 2018
Of course, Osman joined the fun
6. How to Get Away With Murder, a Rao Anwar story.
7. This Is Us, the TLP.
8. Televangelists in Pakistan: Aam Khayega?
9. Game of Thrones (no editing required)— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 3, 2018
It’s a fact that people read the same thing differently. Such was the case with the notice.
Some read it as PEMRA asking for diversity in storylines while others saw it as a call for moral policing. At least, Osman Khalid Butt was willing to interact with that difference and begin a discussion.
People want diversity in shows that appeals to the young, old, male/female, rich and poor, not just "diversify" within the framework of Defense folks' love, betrayal, and relationship dramas.
Whatever happened to ER/House type shows? or rural? or university love/study?— malik (@amaliik3) September 3, 2018
I completely agree, man. Trust me, it is frustrating for an actor to be given a recycled script with only names/certain situations changed.
Maybe I misread the letter. To me, it didn't scream Diversify! so much as Don't be fahaash, pls.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 3, 2018
While there was some discussion happening, others were just throwing insults.
Nailed it! Time for burgers to actually understand the norms. Giving information on sensitive subjects is one thing, holding hands, hugs and all weirdy stuff yoi just can't watch with your mother and sister. Dunno when they will understand!
— Hamza Khalid (@Hamza_5510) September 3, 2018
These burger types ( read wannabes ) who have grown up watching sex, nudity and profanity in Western TV shows and movies and who use the F-word profusely in their private conversations want all that to become norm on Pakistani TV.
That is only when they will be satisfied.— T_Sidd (@T_Sidd) September 4, 2018
Things got pretty much out of hand, so Osman took to Twitter again to further break down his stance
Because my tweet has been overanalyzed to the point of phrases like 'liberal fascist' thrown casually: I agree themes on television are redundant/repetitive. I agree that domestic violence should never be glamorized, turning abuse, harassment & stalking 'sexy' – cont'd
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 4, 2018
It should be noted, that his argument is well balanced (as an argument should be really). He highlights what’s wrong with Pakistani showbiz but deconstructs PEMRA’s notice.
or necessary in the 'pursuit of love' is doing us great harm. I agree – and have claimed multiple times on record – that we need to diversify.
I do not agree with blanket statements that put all television dramas into one fahaash box. I do not agree with moral policing – cont'd.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 4, 2018
– without offering any tangible solutions. I do not agree that all television is meant for family viewing (some themes are unfit for children; that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk about them). I do not agree with vague descriptions of what a Pakistani society constitutes – cont'd.
— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 4, 2018
This ‘notice’ by PEMRA is a lazy move on their part to fix an issue. This isn’t how change should be brought up or tackled with
Concrete steps need to be taken to ensure channels provide diverse content that caters to children and adults looking for themes beyond shaadi and its comically overwrought repercussions.
This… is not a concrete step.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) September 4, 2018
Now, we don’t know what PEMRA exactly meant with this, but it does read like a statement demanding ‘moral policing’. Also, their demand to represent ‘Pakistani society’ is just really vague. How do you process and deal with such a demand without knowing what it means? It just seems like a rushed attempt by PEMRA to deal with this. Let’s hope that PEMRA either clears their stance or that they are able to deal with this better in the future.