Thread by @omairana

#PEMRA bans #pyarkesadqey
I have managed to arrange my thoughts and comments regarding the recent actions taken by PEMRA against certain dramas esp Pyar Ke Sadqye. I would like to share my opinions with you...

Firstly, I completely agree with the need for diversity in content. We mustn’t limit our contents to anythings like extramarital affairs, love triangles, helpless woman, or even woman vs woman. We have infinite other stories that can and should be told...

Secondly, the debate of censorship is old and significant. Questions raised are -
Who will censor?
What merits to they have to censor?
Against what standards will they censor?
Can one ever strike a balance between ‘regulation’ and ‘curtain creative expression’?...

Thirdly, I personally prefer the macro approach where we develop our society to the point where we are responsible when creating our content and also when viewing it. stop ourselves from crossing lines and respectfully rejecting content that hurts our personal values...

Fourthly, I can't comment on other projects but will say the following about PKS -
1. PKS addresses more than just 1 issue, such as naïve indivs in our society; w'men insecurities that they often seek 2 resolve through a man; social stratification. Focussing on only 1 is unfair..

2. Even that single issue finds a resolution where the antagonist loses. we did not show our anti-hero succeed.
3. How the people around play a role in resolving the issue was also shown...

4. At the end of the day we succeeded in having the audience call out his actions as ‘bad’ and ‘wrong’ a they strongly condemned them and disliked him.
5. It was dealt with and presented sensibly and sensitively by responsible and conscientious group of artists and producers...

Fifthly, the caution of taking harsh actions of ‘banning’ things is the question, where does it end? Do we not show the evils we're surrounded by to create awareness & conversation to address them? If this was the norm there'd be no Udaari,Chup Raho,Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila,Sangat..

Sixthly, what are the alternatives?
1. Rather than BANNING the drama (which has already been broadcasted) release a statement expressing concern. Contact the production houses and broadcasters about diversifying the content...

2. Rather than banning AFTER it is produced, work with the production BEFORE it is produced and aired.
3. Persuade PTV to create high quality and high-grade content. It’s a ‘non-profit’ state-owned network...

3. Persuade PTV to create high quality and high-grade content. It’s a ‘non-profit’ state-owned network.oncern. Contact the production houses and broadcasters about diversifying the content. is un have infinite other stories that can and should be told...

4. ‘Quality is defined by the consumer’. Persuade the audience to stop watching ‘harmful content’, after all, it is a democracy and that too a consumerist, capitalist kind. (personally not a big fan)...

5. Introduce mandatory ratings and schedule Broadcast timings as per eligible content. So adults get to watch content post 9pm and others before.

At the end of the day you, the audience, hold the remote control.