PEMRA’s priorities questioned after document advising against ‘hugs/caress scenes’ goes viral

A recent directive by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on scenes involving physical shows of affection between couples on screen has left people questioning the body’s priorities. In an official document, PEMRA has asserted that no “hug/caress scenes” should be aired since, according to the directive, they go against the teachings of Islam and do not depict a “true picture of Pakistani society.”

The PEMRA document went viral on social media, with several people on Twitter asking why authorities are against consensual acts of romance on screen but do not take issue with scenes depicting domestic abuse.

It continued, “A considerable stratum of society believes that dramas are not depicting true picture of Pakistani society. Hugs/caress scenes, extramarital relations, vulgar/bold dressing, bed scenes and intimacy of married couples are being glamourised in utter disregard to Islamic teachings and the culture of Pakistani society.”

Several Twitter users took to the app to question the authority’s perception of Pakistani culture, as well as ask why acts of violence and abuse are not condemned in the same manner.

— hassaan (@dahnhnh) October 23, 2021