I invite PEMRA to do what is right, not popular: Omair Rana on notice against 'Dil Naumeed Toh Nahi'

Yumna Zaidi, Naumaan Ijaz and Omair Rana's social drama had been served a notice by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) over its content.

The body took to Twitter and shared, "PEMRA has sent a notification to TV One regarding the content to be aired in the drama serial Dil Naumeed To Nahin."

The notice added, "In addition, the management of TV One has been directed to change the content of the drama serial in accordance with the PEMRA Code of Conduct within five days and to provide details related to the editorial board."

The television serial sheds light on the hidden demons of society which exist as clear as day but are disregarded and ignored by society and authorities alike. It revolves around premature prostitution, human trafficking and child abuse.

Following this, Rana, who plays a key role in the drama, has responded to the notice issued in a series of tweets. The actor started off by appreciating the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) over its efforts to combat human trafficking in Pakistan. He wrote, “@PakistanFia has been working bravely against human trafficking. Our humble effort is to help them with their honourable cause by educating the masses of our everyday actions that feed the menace that is the modern slave trade...”

Rana went on, “...Is it ugly? Of course, all evil is. Wrapped in something tempting, that is our fight. I invite @reportpemra to do what is right, not popular, join us in this jihad and help us make our beloved Pakistan, pak (clean) of such vile elements in our society. #DilNaUmeedTohNahi #DNUTN.”

Veteran actor Simi Raheal also stepped in to defend the existing play against PEMRA’s directives to revamp it. Taking to Instagram she wrote, “Govt guidelines want this brilliant content modified into what???! Oh I see ... they want to see domestic conflict, black magic, illicit relations between family members, aspiration of young girls achieving material affluence by any means! Oh wait, Govt guidelines also want talk shows with no guidelines!”

She continued angrily, “Yes, yes, shoot down story tellers, remove good narratives from the screen remind the future media professionals that we need to live in a negative myopic land call lulliput! Yes, please adhere to guidelines ... Do not showcase social ills, human trafficking and all the heinous practices we continue.”

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