ISLAMABAD: While hearing a letter filed by justice (retd) Wajihuddin and former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Kazi Hussain Ahmed against obscenity aired on TV channels, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed on Monday that TV channels are “spreading vulgarity” and Pemra is doing nothing to prevent it.
The Pemra acting chairman, Abdul Jabbar, who had appeared in the courtroom today, sought a month’s time to do the research, but the court denied his request. The Supreme Court also ruled that it is not yet forming a commission, but only granting a week’s time to the regulatory authority.
The chief justice cited some offensive programmes and advertisements and said that one finds it difficult to watch them with family.
He also said that some of them are aired even during Iftar time, which should be avoided.
The chief justice told Jabbar to categorise programmes with proper ratings – like it is done in the Western media – so that the people should know beforehand what they are watching.
The Pemra acting chairman stated that Indian channels were banned in Pakistan to restrain broadcast of any improper programmes and added that the Pakistani channels will now be screened for any such programmes.
Jabbar further informed the court that laws related to regularity of the programmes were not well-defined and that vulgarity was relative. “Something which is vulgar to the complainants might not be vulgar to you and me.”
While observing that TV channels now air press conferences and programmes against the judiciary, the Supreme Court ordered the Pemra acting chairman to pull out the record related to such programmes and bring it before the court in the next hearing.
Justice Chaudhry observed that the court was aware about the TV shows which were aired solely for the purpose of maligning the judiciary.
The court also observed that Jabbar is still working as an acting chairman of Pemra, while it has been over a year since he has been inducted.
The deputy attorney general requested the court to also take notice of the TV shows that run parodies of politicians and leaders. The chief justice observed that such programmes are “in good humour” and that such programmes “are enjoyed.”
Concurring with his statement, Justice Tariq Pervaiz said that such programmes are aired across the world and have never faced any dissent. Justice Pervaiz said that even in the United States, president Barack Obama’s parodies are aired on TV.
However, he said that such parodies and cartoons should not be insulting and should not target religion.
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COMMENTS (126)
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Those people who spread vulgarity in Muslims will have a very painful torment in this life and in hereafter this is what Quran in Surah Noor tell us,so fear ALLAH we muslims have forget our purpose We are muslims by name our deeds dont show that we are a true muslim, doing everything that is forbidden in Islam and also facing its consequences in this world and a very painful torment is waiting in hereafter (aakhrat) if we don't repent truly before ALLAH.
Banned on Media is not Good. This Drama Organized by Chief Justice. We Con-dam this type step
Media informed the Nation about Truth. If Truth is against any Personality then it is Duty of that Person to give the clarity to the Nation. Not stop the Media. We con-dammed this type steps Like Banned Media. Now a time Faisal Raza Abidi is True If he is wrong then why not Cheap Justice calling him in con-damned of Court
chief justice court remarks are it self usually vulgar and in bad taste. who is responsible for sensoring them?.
@Mj:
But he IS the protector of our constitution? No? Our constitution does not allow it Period.
It is a very good step by the supreme court.. Pakistan is an islamic state and it should have atleast some rules and regulations on media. Media is exploiting our religious and cultral values.. The advertiement has got extremely embarrassing to watch with kids and same goes for the billboards.. Most adds seems like selling women rather than the products! We really really need a control on media or else soon our youth will be as exploited as the west..i just have one question for all the supporters of this vulgarity.. How would you feel when your 7 or 8 class daughter comes home pregnant.. What if your 2 to 3 year daughter is raped..what if your sons leave u to old people homes bkoz they dnt need u any more.. Wht whn u catch ur spouse cheating on u? Yes all this is happening everyday in de west.. And all this is being promoted by our media today.. Media plays a great role in building any nation and unfortunately today it is tearing our into bits nd pieces.. One half of us s is being dragged to america nd de oder to india.. Why? When v our a different nation.. When we have different ethics and morals..isnt it y v needed pakistan on the first place???
One CJ is running the the whole country...rests are busy looting.
After reading so many comments...wish ET had a thumbs down option as well :(
I dont understand why Honorable CJ is getting himself involved in every function of a state.
Is there a law in Pakistan to define vulgarity clearly. It depends on your perception and mindset PEMRA chief has rightly said that vulgarity is relative. To older generation even singing together may be vulgar whereas some other person take the dancing/ hugging as normal. Let there be a clear cut definition of vulgarity in law and then only PEMRA can proceed to censor the airing as per the law. TV channels too will understand their limit
But certainly Judiciary is stepping out of their role. Their role is not to decide/ advise what is vulgar in absence of such law. . If something is vulgar per law they must /should be aware of it and may take action against the channels and its producer. Also there should have no need to call the PEMRA chief to take action on airing perceived vulgarity. But surely the establishment is trying to avoid clash with judiciary on matters( not to displease the public) except NRO.
@Danny Boy: The so-called “mature/adult content” is also a relative term. This would also need to be precisely defined by concerned authorities.
The Chief justices Iftikar Mohammed Charudry's statement and opinions are understandable. I'm very glad that we have such people in pakistan who is worried for our TV channels. And I won't to emphazise that our tv channels is like westen(Astargfiruallah) Iran is the best country to live in.
Vulgar is a relative term. All programs should be rated and those having mature / adult content should not be aired during prime time. Its not the CJs job to decide whats "good humour" or "vulgar" and what is not. If people find these channels disturbing why dont they stick to PTV?
When government officials belonging to the Executive branch barely perform routine duties, if that, when they are mostly concerned about personal gains and hardly worried about making things better, someone has to step in to fill the void. It is the ineptitude of the politicians that invites the Generals and it is the major cause of judicial activism.
I think this is outright stupid and unwanted intereference by the CJ. He should be doing what he is appointed for and stop meddling in everything. I think this madness must stop voluntarily or forced. I think that the lot who is trying to impose morality have to be told that their this activism is now crossing all limits of public patience. Now, the CJ and his team should also tell me what I may think and I don't give a damn to them and would continue to think whta I think.
@Mj: For your kind information the directions have been issued under article 19 and 31 of the Constitution of Pakstan, for which the SC is fully empowered. Go read that.
I tell you guys take this from me...this CJP, backed by army and islamists, is going to join PTI for 2013 elections...All rise for judicial dictator...hahaha!!!
This man hais appointed himself chief dictator of all conduct in the country. Never before has Pakistan had such a rogue Supreme Court, he will end up destroying the institution with his arrogance.
what next......Pakistan should not do trade with India or Pakistan should close the NATO's supply route.... irrespective of it is right or wrong ... he doesn't have the authority to take a stand on it.
I hope you're reading this dear Chief Justice! This happens to every Pharoah and if you cannot resign serve your remaining tenure by working day and night to hear appeals of criminal and civil cases and not indulging in politics.
But we all know you will not do that.
CJ i request you to take action Against Living on the edge Program on ARY Channel Thanks !
Now he really is sporting the dictator image. PEMRA should have the CJ quote which laws they have violated which is the only thing that should be drawing a court's attention. If they haven't violated any... Well, they should tell him to mind his own business, but they won't because it'll probably get them charged with contempt regardless of the statement's validity.
@Arifq: whenever your hair goes up you have to go to the barber to maintain your style, why ? because its your beauty. you want to look good. your. if you are living in a jungle then no problem but if you r living around some people you have to take care of this. so in the same contest if some thing is going wrong in dramas, then our responsibility to raise the issue and rectify the problem before it becomes the part of the system.
well done chief justice.... keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!! vulgarity should be stopped.
@Uza Syed:
He is CJ of ISLAMI JAMHORIA OF PAKISTAN . we don't want our children to involve in love affairs and sexual acts before marriage . Media is showing this sort of prgrams CJ shab !!!
It is Mr Chaudhary's turn now after Gen. Zia' to tell us what is right and what is wrong for us. Thank you Mr Chaudhary, we don't want any dictatorship neither martial nor judicial.
CJs are men and women of profound wisdom and restraint...who found this guy and made him CJ of P... Embarrassing!!!
A lot of actors and actresses are leaving the unislamic profession of showbiz and music like Sarah Chaudhry, Jana Malik, etc which should be an eye opener for the secular lobby in that now these people are also understanding the sins and moral destruction which TV and music brings.
And you expected justice from this CJ for Rinkle and Lata...Another Zia-ul-Haq in making...Trust me this guy is creating constituency for his upcoming political career...smart hahaha!!!
I completly agree with CJ. Regular indain songs, dances, Mujras at the end of every news hour is ridiculous. You cannot even watch news with your family. This practice is continue even in Ramadan. Pemra is just discusting like our president zardari.
spot on CJ.
Vulgar yes, every time i see Amir Liaqat, Munawar hasan Hafeez Saeed these should be censored
There is a thing called "remote" change the channel if you dont like what you see, whats the big deal? Vulgarity comes in many shapes and colors, religious fascism targeting minorities is also vulgar to say the least! Any interest gentlemen?
@kumail: Yes off course........
If nudity is the sign of modernism, then animals are most modern creature on this plannet.
Why our media needs to air Indian prorams and films, why are they so much impressed of them, CJ has responded in the desired manner. We as a nation are declining from our values. Media, being a responsible pillar of our country should, educate as well entertain the nation in
Had the Chief Justice seen his own son with this much concentration as he watches television he would not have been publicly embarrassed and humiliated
CJ is becoming one man moral brigade, Jaamia Hasfa Burqa style. Or he thinks he is Mughal emperor, ready to hang a bell outside his office, guarded by his cronies as to who is allowed to ring it.
Good move by CJ. May Allah protect him and our judicial system by these ppp goons.
saying anything against the judiciary is vulgarity !!! wonderful, thanks to independent judiciary, who can only see that problems are with the presidency, pm house and parliament. How many arrested terrorists are given punishment? whats happening with muslim khan and sufi mehmood? congrats to the judicial dictatorship.
Another attempt to divert attention from his son Arsalan’s case and gain public sympathies?
Very well step cj. hang on all culprits as well. dun give them chance. also hang on all those who r promoting vulgarity... we r not passing the good meesage to our childrens.. people think we are delivering message of moderanization but actually it was not...
LOL....Pakistan's CJ is a laughing stock...who is he to decide and dictate terms to executives who is out of his domain...?
CJ should provide his views on Aqua-car (Agha-car) fraud promoted by the media. Fraud is much more vulgar.
Iftekhar Ch is following Zia ul Haq step by step.
Why is the CJ giving opinion about a case without hearing it?If the CJ has such strong opinions about the merits of a case he is hearing, he should recuse himself from hearing the case. Judiciary needs to not only be independent but also unbiased.
On a separate note, Pakistan has every right to decide whether or not to broadcast Indian channels. But that is a policy decision for the executive to make after taking all stakeholders into account i.e. viewers who watch these channels, competitive Pakistani channels, advertisers who advertise on these channels etc.. It is not something for the judiciary to determine as indicated by several commentators.
Why doesn't CJ mind and pay some heed to NRO murder/criminal cases? Corruption cases stance is great, but corruption cases were not the only cases under the NRO! What about criminal/murder cases of the NRO?
@Fahad: Sorry to say Limits have been crossed by them who are spreading vulgarity on TV channels of Islamic republic Of Pakistan. strong text
Bad news for Liberal extremists.
When concerned authorities won't perform their role then the CJ will have to jump into it. Good action by CJ. I appreciate it!
Supreme court of Pakistan sounds like Supreme Mullah Council of Iran. The next step is to self appoint Iftkhar Chawdhary as the Ameer-ul-Momeenin.
Shaab ko 'vulgarity' ka khyal agaya, magar NRO murder/criminal cases ka nahi -Chief Justice, setting new standards of discrimination and bias!
P.S. I don't side with the PPP or any party.
@IronyDetector:
It's not outside the outside the court's purview. Obscenity is prohibted by the PEMRA Ordinance PEMRA and Rules and Regulations and also by the broadcasting license. It is a much a legal issue as it is a moral one.
with due respect our CJ is poking his nose in every business.
The CJ of pakistan is day by day becoming a joke.He should deal with some serious issues like corruption and terrorism.For what media and broadcast minister is appointed?This is none of a business of supreme court to poke its nose in these kind of matters as far as democracy is concern.
This CJ has crossed the limits...
I know this all natak drama is to anyhow get landing right in india.But we assure you,we never allow ptv to broadcast in india.For us national harmony is more important than vulgarity.
dual standards of Pakistani Judiciary, all is well if it is only against their opponents;politicians. But BEWARE, against judiciary, you will have to think twice before airing any show
The Pemra acting chairman, Abdul Jabbar, who had appeared in the courtroom today, sought a month’s time to do the research, but the court denied his request. Are judges meant to be Gods or are they are supposed to find sense in God's creation?
@Uza Syed: "while at it, the CJ may also decide what the people of Pakistan should be allowed to read and write and talk."
Does he not already censor the talk? He censors what parliament can say by simply throwing out legislation and he censors individuals by throwing contempt cases on them.
Taking Oath under PCO is Vulgar too?
Does it mean the media has no accountability if its independent and free ?? In my opinion this is something which should have been done a long time ago... everything today and I mean everything, come on they didn't even leave religion out of it, is entirely commercial and a money making scam !! They make sure to sell everything and anything on air that can make an average Pakistani to think and ponder upon what they show and seriously the average Pakistani now a days is too ignorant to realize what's going on in the world today and is blinded by the hypocritical claim of being free and having a free world when in fact is just enslaved by other influences and self desires. Being independent doesn't mean you're allowed to exploit the freedom you have been given.
all indian channels should be banned in pakistan.they are destroying our culture.pakistani channels are not allowed to be aired in india.then why should we allow them???
why does the jud watch vulgar programmes?
I humbly suggest that the chief judge is completely out of control.
@Uza Syed: Please don't give him ideas.
This CJ is thick enough to miss 900million in his son's account. How can we trust him to spot sometjing as relative as vulgarity. Nice joke
Its good that CJ Now realized the Vulgarity the local tv channels is showing without mercy. Our Pure Pakistani society is being systematically destroyed by these out-law channels. One petition is also Pending in Supreme Court against one of these criminals called SAFMA which is explicitly against Pakistan's Two Nation Theory and also it behaves anti-Islam. Pakistanis Request Chief Justice to take action on these Media Tarrorists.
I do not think media is having mandate to show vulgarity.They should scrutinised as per Islamic values in Islamic republic of Pakistan.
all actors and actress should be band on TV, who are involved in vulgarity
Pakistan has banned Indian TV channels but now the time has come to ban all Pakistan channels as well except for news and religious channels which would help people's mind to become pure.
Yes ban and investigate shows against judiciary but programs against the governement are in good humour. Double standards dont you think!
regardless of vulgarity, this is outside of the courts' purview....what's CJ going to do next, tell us what we can and cannot wear?
Mr Jabbar is absolutely right. What's vulgar to stone-age mullahs may not be vulgar to others. Also, I wonder why all "morally bankrupt" countries are racing ahead of us and all holier-than-thou Muslim so called "ethical" countries like Pakistan are in a ditch.
This is first step towards a GAG ORDER.
it is a shame to see people suporting media sensor ship I agree with JAI ZARDARI , it is much more than an attempt a t social reform It is an attack on freedom of media
I would request Ali Aftab Saeed to make another GOOD HUMOUR of CJP.
This man is showing his true colors, and is fast becoming Zia-ul-Haq. Censorship of the newspapers and media is his next target. No one allowed to raise valid concerns against him and his son.
Once again, the 65 year old CJ picks up the most pressing issue in Pakistan, brought forward by the duo of a former judge (70+) and JI. Please Mr. CJ spare us from your radicalized version of Islam. Besides its not your job to look at the performance of various government departments, and then make suggestions how to run them. You should concentrate more on your job, and start delivering justice, instead of hiding your incompetency behind the alleged inadequacies of others.
So, Faisal Raza Abidi raises some serious questions about the CJ's conduct and his son's corruption, and suddenly the CJ feels the need to censor 'vulgar' content? Mr. Chaudhry, you are going the Musharraf way. Best to resign now before falling prey to the same fate.
These judges have crossed all the limits of shamelessness. If parody of the court proceeding is made, would it be good humor. Shame on you!
CJP uses exactly the same idiom which was used by 'luminaries' like Zia Ul Haq and Maulana Tufail (JI) in the 80's. Cars run on water, Diabetes cured with table sugar, Fahashi found by JI and being tackled by CJP - we are in middle of an ocean of ignorance, Djinns, and churails all over 'modern' TV channel. Just this morning on a TV channel an anchor was saying while standing in a dark room, "Madam! so many people have seen you, you talked to so many. Now please answer my question" - Would you believe he was 'talking' to a churail!!! No hope Sir!
@Alim: the stats that you are talking about were wrong and google also apologized for the mistake. Do your research before commentig, will you.
When you demand free media, sometimes you don't like whatever is being aired.
CJ Please first correct your cour lower courts
Why is CJ watching channels broadcasting vulgar only????. There are good number of spiritual and news channels.
Bravo CJ
@ Alim First of all thats a lie which has been already exposed search for urself and secondly even if it wasnt would that justify having vulgar programs on our TV sets. whatever is shown on media people people just beleive it without looking how authentic and credible information is.
I respect eveyone views but million of people dint give away thier lives for a liberal so called modern state. They gave thier lives for an Islamic state where everyone is respected but that doesnt mean that one has to cross the limitations set by the relegion and yes if one does not agree please leave cuz this state was never meant for so called liberals.
What so you enjoy the lux and mango juice vulgar ads and the cheap jokes that are flooded everyday on TV?@Ameer:
Kudos to the Chief Justice! The rule of law should apply to the media too. Our Constitution and laws ban vulgarity and "obscenity. That should be put into effect.
Of course, we are a democracy. So the standards of decency or morality applied should those which the ordinary reasonable Pakistani. It won't be the standards of the Taliban. But it also won't be the stands of LUX style awards. Most people follow the middle course, and that should be respected.
In the US, you can also make fun of, criticize and call names to Judges of the Supreme Court. Judges can be mocked, made fun of, criticized and critiqued. Colbert and others do entire comedy segments on Supreme Court Judges. So is Justice Pervaiz going to along with that and accept that Judges can be criticized? Always pick and choose. Shariah here, immunity for me there.
how about actually dispensing justice, there are hundreds and thousands of cases pending across the judicial system. what about them? how about doing your job judge sahib.
Here we get another morality policing, a nice gimmick to create own vote bank
Rightly said. Our media is spreading vulgarity and that is a fact. Even in Ramadan, they are airing programs like "Mahi Aye Ga" in which 3 girls are hitting on their paying guest. Not only that, they feel the need to air bollywood dances in every single news bulletin. To them, Rajesh Khanna's death was more important than Burmese Muslims' genocide. Its a good step taken by CJ to criticize the media. The next stop would be to hold it accountable in court! And there already are petitions filed in the supreme court against traitors in the media. The CJ needs to pick those cases up.
No doubt money is needed by the media to meet its various expenses but it should act on code of ethics what they are passing on to young generation.
bravo CJ
The Chief Justice was conducting a hearing on a 'letter'? Good God! When will he start hearing petitions/appeals filed by ordinary litigants? Your story states that "The chief justice cited some offensive programmes and advertisements and said that one finds it difficult to watch them with family". But we thought the Chief Justice does not know what his family is doing e.g. making billions of illegal bucks, wife going on trips paid for by unknown strangers, posh cars in the driveway, cheques for millions arriving at his own residence etc. And when mocking of politicians is brought to his notice he says "that such programmes are “in good humour” and that such programmes “are enjoyed.” And yet calls for record of programmes where judiciary is allegedly maligned? Let the Chief Justice know that programmes where the truth about the judiciary is spoken are now top rated and most viewed. And will the PCO tainted Chief Justice please ask his court to allow the investigation against Baby Arsalan to continue unhampered? Also will he tell his Registrar to give an account of taxpayers money to our elected representatives? Thank you in advance.
Hang on, i dont get it, did this vulgarity just showed up in last couple of days? I don't see a drastic change since last few years.. It has been as vulgar 5-6 years ago as it is today... So, is Chief Justice saying something else along the lines, Yes! i get it. Bringing the truth about the CJP and PCO judges on Air is "Vulgarity" in CJP's Dictionary... Shame on you CJP, you are really showing your real face now...
Chief Justice of Pakistan said the very apposite remarks.It should be banned from propagating vulgarity and obscenity in our society.
@saad aziz - one of our problems is that we lack vision, we try to focus on one problem or two and leave the rest for later and in sometime they become significant. We should not ignore issues with media becuase we have other worst problems, we need to take it along with other problems. This can have desvastating effect on our youth in my view.
Just recently i read on twitter some one saying that her little sister is asking "whats the difference between 23rd march and 14th august. Why? because from our news bulleitiens to dramas its all bollywood. Our media focuses more on vulgarity then on being informative or to provide quality entertainment. Our darams used to be awesome, from tanhaiyan to guest house to 50 50 to hawa ki beti to family front to alpha brovo chanrlie. Look at them now? patehtic and shameful
"Justice Pervaiz said that even in the United States, president Barack Obama’s parodies are aired on TV." If you compare our channels with US TV channels on the same pattern, then our channels are not vulgar at all. I hate those guys who don't trust ordinary people's wisdom and try to make us believe that whatever they think is the best thing for ordinary people.
Absolutely right, Bravo CJ Im not against progression or media, but media should also respect cultural restraints.. Ratings should not be an excuse to show vulgar content.. Media should act more responsible...it should produce clean and quality entertainment for ratings rather than acting otherwise...
Excuse me CJ sahab? Would u like to be called as 'regressive Qaum?
i think we should worry about others worse problems first,people will still see it from other sources even if banned
That's correct. Our media seems to accept money for promoting India in Pakistan.
And Pakistanis are the biggest group searching for "sex" on Google.
Yes m agree...well you can look at your own program "Darling"...wo bi ramzan m
Okay, now CJ is also to decide what is in good humour and what is vulgar. Is it his job? If it is, than how come he has already decided before hearing? Judges should observe the evidence provided to them. and then decide. They must resist the temptation to themselves act as witnesses duting the proceedings.
BRAVO CJ - Spot on with this ....Vulgarity in our nation is termed as modernization and society development.
" The chief justice observed that such programmes are “in good humour” and that such programmes “are enjoyed.”
The above observation of the CJ must apply on the judiciary, too.
CJ is overstepping his domain. He was not appointed to be the 'protector' of our morals.
A very good move by the supreme court. Every pillar of the country should be scrutinized for implications and use of the national resources. Specially our culture and norms should be the first hand and foremost agenda tht shold be on the cards for all the entities working in the economy.
PEMRA should be scrutinized for its activities and compains that are filed on its website regarding broadcasted channels.
Moreover, PEMRA should educate and create awareness among the pubic to retaliate and complain on its website in cases of not only vulgarity, but even in cases of abusive language or targeting or molesting of a particular person. Such teachings and learning through awareness programs will make the audience and TV watchers realize what they are watching and what to complain and where to complain.
is this in response to the airing of Faisal Raza Abidi's press conference?
WELL DONT YOU SEE THAT JUDICIARY HAS HIJACKED THE EXECUTIVE ?:? NOW SUPREME COURT AND HGIGH COURT WILL SPEND THEIR TIME ON CENSORING TV PROGRAMMES . Are they not trying to gag the media and independance of media ??/ If the judges would have behaved no body would be doing press conferences against them. The media has been ridiculing and criticising the presednt twenty four hours a day but it did not offened the highnesses THIS IS EVIDANCE THAT JUDUICIARY WANTS TO TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT AND HAS PLANS AND FIRST ONE WILL BE TO GAG THE FREE MEDIA
The Chief Justice should personally censor what we as people of Pakistan may or may not be allowed to watch on TV and while at it, the CJ may also decide what the people of Pakistan should be allowed to read and write and talk.