PEMRA issues show-cause notice to Udaari

Is the hit TV serial being taken off air?


Entertainment Desk May 13, 2016
The hit serial highlights the issue of child abuse in our society. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

In a surprise move, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has served a show-cause notice to HUM TV seeking an explanation for the portrayal of 'unethical' scenes in Udaari.

The notice sent to the makers of the hit TV serial -- which has received appreciation for highlighting the issue of child abuse -- states that the episode aired on May 8 shows an uncle (played by Ahsan Khan) forcefully luring his niece into illicit activitiesIt further states that the same episode also shows Ahsan's character having wrong intentions for his juvenile stepdaughter.

Ahsan Khan plays a stepfather with wrong intentions for his stepdaughter. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

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As per the notice, the portrayal of these scenes didn't go down well with the viewers, parents in particular. Pemra has also claimed that psychiatrists believe such acts can evoke sinful sentiments of evil minds in society.

The media regulatory authority has said it received a number of complaints against the channel on it's official Twitter account and helpline number.

PEMRA's notice to HUM TV. PHOTO: BBC

Udaari stars walked the ramp at BCW to raise awareness about child abuse. PHOTO: FILE

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Despite the allegations however, lead actor Ahsan Khan has been praised for his performance. "We as a nation and as a society need to educate each other on such issues and drama is the best medium to do so," Ahsan said while speaking to The Express Tribune.

When asked how he feels about Udaari being served a notice, he said,  "We need to look beyond saas-bahu sagas and divorces to address critical issues and help create awareness."

Ahsan also said that the team was mindful of the sensitivity of the issue at hand. "This serial has shown the issue in a lighter way as opposed to more explicit content we usually see on our news channels and social media."

"How can we say no to highlighting the issue in a subtle way, especially when it has constantly being overlooked?" he questioned.

COMMENTS (25)

Khaleeq | 7 years ago | Reply @Imran: Actually, these topics are openly showed in other countries. I live in the UK and many tv shows that are on tv at 4:00-7:00 openly discuss these types of issues. There is nothing wrong with this show. If anything, romantic shows are alot worse as they not only show premartial relationships, but also show them in a good light. Atleast Udaari clearly shows this as a disgusting act.
Mufti ali786 | 7 years ago | Reply Mufti
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