Pemra Directs TV Channels to Stop Satirical Depictions of LEAs

FOE Link or motive by PPF

Confirmed

Case Update Status

The directive is still applicable.

Summary of Case

Directive dated August 1, 2024 stated that satellite tv channels were using uniforms of state institutions and law enforcement agencies in a "disgraceful manner" and were particularly portraying characters in police uniform in theri comedy shows/satire programs in a "derogatory manner". The directive stated that they had received complaints on this. The directive urged satellite TV channels to "immediately stop using uniform of state institutions/law enforcement agencies in their comedy shows/satire as such content is compromising the dignity of the uniform." Pemra Directs TV Channels to Stop Satirical Depictions of LEAs (News Clipping:https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/pemra-directs-tv-channels-to-stop-satirical-depictions-of-leas/)) On August 3, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) issued a directive to all television channels instructing them not to satirize the uniforms of state institutions and law enforcement agencies in their comedy shows The directive highlights concerns over TV channels featuring characters in police uniforms in derogatory and comedic contexts. “It has been observed with grave concern that satellite TV channels, while airing and producing programs based on satire, are using uniforms of state institutions/law enforcement agencies in a disgraceful manner,” the directive stated. The regulator emphasized that TV channels should avoid depicting any character or using dialogues that could undermine the dignity of state institutions, particularly the police force. Such representations, it argued, create a negative impression of the police among viewers. “All satellite TV channel licensees are hereby directed to immediately stop using uniforms of state institutions/law enforcement agencies in their comedy shows/satire, as airing of such content is compromising the dignity of the uniform,” the directive mandated. Pemra reminded TV channels of their obligation to adhere to the provisions of the Pemra Ordinance 2002, Pemra Rules, and the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015. The directive also cited regulations, terms, and conditions of the licences issued by the authority. In case of non-compliance, the authority warned that it would take action under sections 27, 29-A, and 30 of the Pemra Ordinance, which empower the regulator to prohibit channels from broadcasting any content and to revoke their licences in case of violations.

Category of Incident

"Directive issued to all the TV Channels for using uniforms of state instituion "

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: N/A

ICCS Group: N/A

ICCS Class: N/A

ICCS Crime: N/A

Reported By

Date of incident

3

Month

August

Year

2024

Name of affected person

N/A

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

All the channels

Other affected organizations

All the channels

Action by

City

Countrywide

Province

Countrywide

Designation

N/A

Professional category

Media organziations

Age of victim

N/A

Marital Status

N/A

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A

Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A

Date of compensation paid by government: N/A

Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date compensation paid by others: N/A

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: N/A

Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: N/A

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

No version was recorded

APNS

No version was recorded

CPNE

No version was recorded

PBA

No version was recorded

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

No version was recorded

Employer organization

No version was recorded

Press Club Status

Press club 1: No version was recorded

Press club 2: No version was recorded

Press club 3: No version was recorded