ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday expressed concern over the humiliation of alleged prostitutes in television programmes and summoned the chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) on October 2.

He observed that the conduct of anchor persons covering programmes on social issues was not in accordance with the ethical values of our society and religion. He was hearing a matter related to the conversion of licenses issued for establishing entertainment channels.

Citing a television programme telecasted by a private television channel on September 15, the judge said the anchor person had raided a brothel house and while interviewing ‘prostitutes’, was “compelling them to admit their guilt.”

“They have assumed the role of police, investigator and also tried to become judges while conducting programmes related to exposing crimes,” he added.

The court asked the chairman of Pemra to submit a report regarding its mechanism to monitor such programmes. He added that other similar programmes were being aired on various channels in which the anchor person disgraced specific people and intruded into the private life of citizens.

Further hearing of the matter has been adjourned till October 2.