Mahesh Hayat's dance was banned by PEMRA

 

You may have seen color advertisements on your television screens these days which will make you wonder what this advertisement is. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the advertisement of Gala Biscuits, calling the dance of Mahesh Hayat a violation of Pakistani culture. ۔

Journalist Ansar Abbasi was the first to speak out against the ad on Twitter and drew PEMRA's attention to the content of the ad.

بسکٹ بیچنے کے لیے اب ٹی وی چینلز پر مُجرا چلے گا۔ پیمرا @reportpemra نام کا کوئی ادارہ ہے یہاں؟ کیا @ImranKhanPTI اس معاملہ پر کوئی ایکشن لیں گے؟ کیا پاکستان اسلام کے نام پر نہیں بنا تھا؟؟

— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) October 4, 2020

After Ansar Abbasi, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan also criticized the advertisement.

PM @ImranKhanPTI Sahb is totally against such anti Islamic stuff on media which is against our cultural norms & has damaging effects on our youth.
No place for such absurdity in an Islamic state, which was made on the Kailma Tayyaba

لا الہ الا اللہ محمد رسول اللہ https://t.co/0nVDOGRKsC

— Ali Muhammad Khan (@Ali_MuhammadPTI) October 4, 2020

However, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry satirized both Ansar Abbasi and Ali Muhammad Khan.

آپ اور علی 24 گھنٹے فحاشی کیوں سرچ کرتے رہتے ہے ہیں؟ کوئ Productive کام کیا کریں https://t.co/mCrYcm883B

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) October 5, 2020

Following the attention of Ansar Abbasi and the overwhelming response on social media, PEMRA issued an "Advice" on advertisements stating that it was a matter of great concern that consumer goods such as biscuits, surf Etc. are being advertised on TV channels which are not related to the use of these items. This trend is causing uneasiness among the viewers and stirring up their attitudes as it is not only against the accepted standards of decency but also against the values ​​of Pakistani society. Media and WhatsApp are criticizing PEMRA for allowing TV channels to broadcast such immoral content. Also, viewers are of the opinion that advertisements for consumer products such as biscuits etc. are shown in a strange way which has nothing to do with the use of these items.

In this context, various advertising and broadcasting organizations are advised to make their members aware of the public's sensitivity about the advertising theme and content, especially the gala biscuit advertisement content, as well as all stakeholders. It is further advised that they should not use themes and content that do not suit the type of product.

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