Government names Daraar, Dastan, Hadsa and other dramas in PEMRA action list

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority cannot censor television dramas before they are aired, the government

Islamabad:  The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority cannot censor television dramas before they are aired, the government has told the National Assembly, while confirming that its official record lists nine drama serials as prohibited or edited. The government says television channels must check their own programmes before broadcast, but they can face fines, suspension of programmes and even loss of their licences if violations of the law are established.

The information was provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in response to Starred National Assembly Question No. 186, moved by MNA Ms Alya Kamran. She asked whether the government had rules to ensure that television dramas and entertainment programmes follow Pakistan’s cultural and social values and Islamic teachings.

The question also raised complaints that some dramas show violence, criminal behaviour, smoking, the use of intoxicants and family conflicts in ways that may go against these values.

In its reply, the government said television channels licensed by PEMRA have independent editorial policies. However, they must follow the laws, regulations and conditions of their licences, including the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct, 2015.

The rules require every licensed channel to establish an in house monitoring committee to review programmes before they are broadcast. The aim is to make sure the content follows the law and the required standards.

The government clarified that PEMRA does not have the legal power to censor content before it is aired. Instead, the system places responsibility on television channels to check their own content and follow the code of conduct.

However, this does not mean channels are free to show anything they choose. The government said PEMRA handles complaints under the law. Where a violation is established and decided by the Council of Complaints under Section 26 of the PEMRA Ordinance, 2002, the regulator can take action against the channel or person responsible.

Under the legal framework described in the reply, PEMRA can suspend programmes that violate the rules under Section 27. It can impose fines of up to Rs10 million on a licence holder and up to Rs1 million on an individual. In cases of repeated violations, a television licence can be suspended or cancelled under Section 30 of the ordinance, as amended by the PEMRA Amendment Act, 2026.

The government’s annexure, titled “Drama Serials Prohibited or Edited”, names nine serials: Geo News drama “Daraar”, AAN TV drama “Aitraaf”, BOL Entertainment dramas “Dastan”, “Akinct” and “Hadsa”, ARY Digital dramas “Dunk”, “Jalan” and “Ishqiya”, and HUM TV drama “Pyar Kay Sadqay”.

The annexure specifically states that a fine of Rs200,000 was imposed. However, it does not give detailed reasons for the action recorded against each of the nine serials.

The reply also addresses the use of warnings and captions on screen when scenes show smoking or the consumption of intoxicants. The government said a warning alone does not protect a channel from action if the content itself breaks the law. In other words, adding a message that smoking is harmful or that intoxicants are prohibited does not automatically make a scene acceptable.

The existing code sets rules for content that goes against Islamic values, promotes hatred or sectarian division, encourages violence or crime, or includes indecent and obscene material. It also requires channels to take care when showing scenes of violence, crime and suffering.

The government said complaints about dramas and entertainment programmes, including those involving warnings and captions, are dealt with under the relevant laws. Where a violation is proved through the required process, PEMRA can take action.

Asked whether the government plans to strengthen the rules and enforcement system, the ministry said it and PEMRA continue to review how the existing framework is being implemented. It added that further steps may be taken within the authority provided by law where considered necessary, but did not announce a specific new enforcement plan.