Marriyum imposes life ban on poet who ridiculed Pushtun community

Move comes after rights activists and political leaders demand action against the poet and PTV comedy show's staff


APP July 03, 2017
Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb. PHOTO: EXPRESS

PESHAWAR: Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Marriyum  Auranzeb has taken serious notice of a programme aired by PTV in which a poet ridiculed and stigmatized the Pushtun community, imposing a life time ban on the participation of the concerned poet in any programme of the official channel.

The minister also directed the secretary information, who is also the managing director of PTV, to submit a report about the incident after holding an inquiry against the PTV officials who were responsible for the regrettable episode.

Protesters demand apology from PTV for ‘humiliating’ Pashtuns during Eid transmission

Earlier, Federal Secretary Information and Broadcasting Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera also took notice of the controversial poetic programme and sought apology from Pashtuns over hurting of their sentiments, because of the stigmatisation of their race by the poetconcerned.

The federal secretary said PTV, being a national institution of the country, is following a very strict and impartial editorial policy, which does not allow stigmatization, profiling or stereotyping of any individual, caste or community.

He also held out assurance of taking strict action against PTV officials who were found responsible for airing of the controversial programme.

COMMENTS (6)

old eagle | 6 years ago | Reply Well done Murriyum Sahiba. I hope an inquiry should be made as to why I. this delicate time such people in Radio and TV start to spread the message of hatred rather than love. Get him out of Punjab.
AQ | 6 years ago | Reply Just to get some votes, these mindless ministers are actually doing every act to loot the country and people.
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