'Ban fake news, not Ramazan transmissions': Ahmed Ali Butt tells Ministry of Religious Affairs

Actor, rapper Ahmed Ali Butt recently shared his two cents on the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ proposed guidelines for Ramazan game and entertainment shows. The Jawani Phir Nahi Aani actor asked the ministry to focus on “real problems” as opposed to calling out “good quality game shows.”

He even listed down things he felt needed to be banned instead, seemingly under the impression that the ministry had called for a ban on Ramazan transmissions altogether, which it hasn’t.

“Ban the fake news, paid (lefafa) news anchors, ban the propaganda and people who make a mockery of religion on TV. Ban the below standard shows that just spread fear and lies,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories. Butt went on to assert that quality game shows are a need of the hour in Ramazan. “But we all know that good quality game shows are a much-needed entertainment for the whole family, especially in Ramazan.”

The rapper even tagged Fahad Mustafa, who hosts a Ramazan transmission, to say, “People like Fahad have devoted their all to provide us with quality entertainment. We should be proud of such shows, so focus on the real problems our country is facing and I’m sure you will get passes for the show soon.”

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony Noor-ul-Haq Qadri on Sunday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, requesting for six guiding principles of Ramazan broadcasting to be directed, based on complaints issued by the public.

The letter said asked for “controversial issues and professional topics to be avoided.” Stating that “Ramazan transmissions should be anchored by religiously well-versed and educated persons.” It went on to maintain that presenters and participants should “follow modesty in their dress code and appearance, to honour the sanctity of the Holy month.”

Haq urged for game and recreational shows to not be aired immediately before or after Sehar or Iftar timings. “Moreover, games should not be a part of religious programmes.” The letter also maintained that “Promotion of religious, sectarian harmony, and propagation of Islamic teachings should be the prime focus of such transmissions,” adding that immoral and inappropriate advertisements should be banned during the month.

Haq concluded the letter by requesting, “I shall be grateful if the proposed guidelines are pursued and directions may be conveyed to Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to advise all TV channels to follow proposed guidelines in letter and spirit.”

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