The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has asked TV channels to review ‘indecent’ adverts and chalk up a strategy to get their advert approved by an internal committee prior to the telecast.
The statement by the authority came days after an advert featuring Mehwish Hayat to promote Gala biscuits came under severe criticism for being against the values of the society.
In a statement, the regulatory authority said: “It has been observed with concerns that themes of advertisements of ordinary consumer products like biscuits, surf, etc being aired satellite TV channels are not corresponding with the disposition of these products. The trend is causing unrest and behavioral disturbance among the viewers being not only in violation of the commonly accepted standards of decency but also the socio-cultural norms of Pakistani society.”
“In this context, viewers are criticising PEMRA on Twitter for allowing...such indecent advertisements. Pertinently, viewers are of the view that airing advertisements regarding general consumer products like biscuits in such a bizarre manner where the visuals do not commensurate with the use of the products is unwarranted and needs to be looked into. In addition to this, complainants are of the opinion that the presentation of the products in such manner is wittingly or unwittingly merely aiming to promote consumerism,” it added.
The statement added: “Therefore, all...are advised to sensitize their members to give consideration to the public concerns on the themes of the advertisement and specifically review the content of the advertisement of 'Gala Biscuit' by giving due credence to the apprehension of the views.”
Moreover, all channels are further advised to get the visuals of the advertisements approved by the monitoring committee prior to their telecast, it added.
The statement by the authority came days after an advert featuring Mehwish Hayat to promote Gala biscuits came under severe criticism for being against the values of the society.
Let me take you on a majestic journey of our #des, as the most awaited #deskayqissay is unveiled. It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of this masterpiece by #Gala #deskabiscuit, where we cherish the cultural diversity of our des bcoz “apnay des ka har rung hai Niraala” ♥️ pic.twitter.com/BBb6IQ0IMp
— Mehwish Hayat TI (@MehwishHayat) October 4, 2020
In a statement, the regulatory authority said: “It has been observed with concerns that themes of advertisements of ordinary consumer products like biscuits, surf, etc being aired satellite TV channels are not corresponding with the disposition of these products. The trend is causing unrest and behavioral disturbance among the viewers being not only in violation of the commonly accepted standards of decency but also the socio-cultural norms of Pakistani society.”
“In this context, viewers are criticising PEMRA on Twitter for allowing...such indecent advertisements. Pertinently, viewers are of the view that airing advertisements regarding general consumer products like biscuits in such a bizarre manner where the visuals do not commensurate with the use of the products is unwarranted and needs to be looked into. In addition to this, complainants are of the opinion that the presentation of the products in such manner is wittingly or unwittingly merely aiming to promote consumerism,” it added.
The statement added: “Therefore, all...are advised to sensitize their members to give consideration to the public concerns on the themes of the advertisement and specifically review the content of the advertisement of 'Gala Biscuit' by giving due credence to the apprehension of the views.”
Moreover, all channels are further advised to get the visuals of the advertisements approved by the monitoring committee prior to their telecast, it added.