PEMRA issues show-cause notice to Udaari
Is the hit TV serial being taken off air?
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 activities. It further states that the same episode also shows Ahsan's character having wrong intentions for his juvenile stepdaughter.
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.
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.
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 activities. It further states that the same episode also shows Ahsan's character having wrong intentions for his juvenile stepdaughter.
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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.
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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.