TV channels asked to shun sectarianism

E-Paper | July 26, 2026

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has urged electronic media to observe the sanctity of Muharram and warned against promoting sectarianism and hatred.

A circular issued by Pemra Chairman Dr Abdul Jabbar to all the media outlets has warned them against relaying or distributing any programme against the sanctity of Muharram.

It said no programme should be aired or distributed in contravention of the Pemra code of conduct which calls for refraining from passing derogatory remarks about any religion, sect or community or using words contemptuous of a sect or an ethnic group or which promoted communal and sectarian feelings or disharmony.

Similarly, it said, no programme would be tolerated which might provoke hatred against an individual or a group on the basis of race, ethnicity and religious orientation.

It directed electronic media to make special programmes that discourage sectarianism and prejudices and promote Islamic principles of tolerance, brotherhood and harmony.

The Pemra chairman said violation of the directives would be taken seriously, warning that such a violation may result in imposition of heavy fines and suspension or even cancellation of licences under Pemra law.

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Syed Nabeel Ahmad

Nov 17, 2012 07:59am

No censorship at any cost, freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental civil right. I deserve the right to disagree with any religion or sect and to be able to express my disagreement verbally with out violence should i choose to do so

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wizarat

Nov 17, 2012 04:46am

Where are the so called Ulamas in this. Pemra cannot stop this on its own

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Bilal

Nov 17, 2012 03:35am

PEMRA needs to be steadfast and stringent against electronic media... Media needs to be regulated more than anything else. they are a source of chaos...

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Hussain

Nov 17, 2012 04:35am

Why in Moharam only??? Why not always.

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IndianShia

Nov 17, 2012 04:12am

Kudos another good initiative by Pemra,It just needs to be followed by all and people who do not follow appropriate action taken in time.

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Farooq

Nov 17, 2012 08:56am

Agree our media less investigatives and more in sensationalism, best times when i viewed the news channels were Eid where almost all the anchors & politicians were with there families, they should do this more often for sake of mental piece of Pakistanis

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Amir Bangash

Nov 17, 2012 09:26am

All those TV channels promoting vulgarity and sectarianism must be banned in the country through a court order because such channels are a serious threat to the national security. No broadcast in the country should be allowed that has some hidden agenda under the pretext of freedom of speech. Similarly all vulgar web sites should also be blocked being against the national interests.

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arif

Nov 17, 2012 02:04pm

I have one question from all of Muslim and |Pakistanis) Is it Islamic to make noice on road, beat each other and make difficulties for others. It should be banned not only Moharram rallies all other rallies also in the name of Islam

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sameena

Nov 17, 2012 08:27am

Fanatic mullahs should be banned from appearing on television and giving hate speeches.

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Yawar

Nov 17, 2012 02:14pm

Why only fanatic mullahs? No one should be allowed to do this. And not only that, if someone does this, then he or she should be held accountable.

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Yawar

Nov 17, 2012 02:01pm

what about web sites promoting sectarianism and terrorism?

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Yawar

Nov 17, 2012 02:10pm

I totally disagree. No one should be given the right to spread fitna and hatred, whether this be done peacefully or violently. Because these acts can result in very serious consequences including the loss of many precious lives.

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Akram

Nov 17, 2012 01:17pm

you have a right to your viewpoint, but you don't have a right to have your viewpoint broadcast nationally if your views do not conform to the law. Sectarianism is what has held back Pakistan's development. One day you will realise those who seek to divide Pakistanis have done nothing for this nation. Where as minorities have achieved great things. From Quaid-e-Azam himself to Abdus Salam to even the involvement of the Ahmediyahs in the creation of this nation. United we stand, divided we fall.

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