A complaint has been submitted to the Council of Complaint at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against Neo News HD for “broadcasting misogynist and abusive content against women”. Submitted by lawyers on behalf of a number of concerned citizens and activists, the complaint refers to a recent broadcast of programme Aaj Ayesha Ehtesham kay Sath, where controversial writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar hurled abuse at analyst Marvi Sirmed.
The complaint states that the hate-filled and abusive content aired on that programme contained multiple violations of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct, 2015.
Highlighting Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar's abusive comments during the TV broadcast, the complaint takes the view that the programme caused “immense mental agony and anguish” to viewers. It also expresses the concern that women could start fearing the consequences of demanding their constitutional rights after seeing the treatment meted out on TV to Marvi Sirmed.
The complaint goes on to list out the steps that PEMRA ought to take in view of these violations, so as to safeguard women from harassment and abuse, and ensure their full participation in in all spheres of life. It calls for legal action against Neo News HD, host Ayesha Ehtesham and Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. The complaint seeks a six-month ban on Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar's TV appearances and calls for him to be given counseling sessions on gender sensitivity when appearing on media. Moreover, the complaint also seeks a broadcast public apology by Neo, as well as programmes and advertisements by all PEMRA-licensed media outlets to inform the public about women's rights. Lastly, it also seeks a fine on Neo News HD, with the amount being deposited with the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW).
