PEMRA serves show-cause notice to channel over Fiza Ali's 'unacceptable' morning show clip

Pakistan’s media regulator, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), has issued a show-cause notice to a private TV channel after a clip featuring host Fiza Ali and her husband went viral on social media.

The notice followed a segment on a morning show that drew criticism for what the authority called “inappropriate remarks” and an “unacceptable gesture” during a live broadcast.

A video of the moment quickly spread online, with some calling the act “distasteful” and saying such moments should not be aired on morning television. Others, meanwhile, questioned the lack of restraint on live shows, criticising the channel for allowing the segment to go on air and calling for stricter checks on content.

Some fans, however, defended Ali, saying the moment was harmless and had been blown out of proportion. Ali herself responded to the criticism, saying the moment was taken out of context. She described it as a spontaneous and harmless interaction, adding that there was no inappropriate intent.

PEMRA, however, said the content went on air “without proper editorial checks” and violated its code of conduct. The regulator has asked the channel to submit a written reply and appear before the authority, warning that action may follow if the provided explanation is not satisfactory.

The incident even drew a response from the Punjab Women Protection Authority, which termed the act “regrettable” and highlighted the need for public figures to maintain appropriate behaviour on television.