There was a time when there were very few television channels and the content sharing was subjected to scrutiny in order to ensure the quality of the content. With the advancement of information technology and communication networks, news channels and our media thrived and progressed much more in a short span of time. But as the competition grew intense the quality of content declined. It is a fact that our media is greatly influenced by so-called modernism and some extra shots of contemporaneousness.
Don’t get me wrong, I merely wanted to state the fact that in spite of living in an Islamic Republic State, we can’t seem to grasp the concept of it. What rubbish has been shared under the banner of “Breaking News”, everybody knows it. Most of the time you can’t even watch the news with the family sitting around.
Well, I said way too much in order to lay the foundation but the one thing that urged me to write this article is the act of blasphemy committed in Geo TV’s morning transmission of “Utho Jago Pakistan”, hosted by Dr. Shaista Wahidi. What eludes me the most, is the fact that nobody questioned the transmission format when they were airing a “Manqabat” and all along there was dancing and cheering, which is clearly disrespectful to the essence of Kalam. Among all the bedlam camera was focused on Veena Malik and Asad Malik (Allegedly their marriage ceremony was held for the third time or so), as if comparing the couple with Hazrat Ali (R.A) and Hazrat Fatima (R.A) hurting the beliefs of thousands of viewers around the globe.
The controversy is a hot topic on social networks and one post that stirred the audience was by Ali Moeen Nawazish. He raised a question that why the public only condemned Geo TV and demanded a ban, while the other channels are doing same (ARY News to be exact here). So with respect Sir, the difference is evidently plain and simple, you just have to see it for yourself. The problem is not what you think it is. No offense but nobody was dancing, cheering or lifting shoes above their head but there was a somber, respectful silence on the set.
Geo TV stirred ISI issue and then airing controversial blasphemous content opened a Pandora box. After receiving thousands of public complaints against the controversial transmission, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), issued a show cause notice to Geo TV. The Sunni Ittehad Council have prompted a fatwa against Geo TV for disrespecting religious and cultural values. Then shortly after that Dr. Shaista Wahidi apologized and rendered that this was an “inadvertent mistake” and transmission got “Carried Away”.
My question is why apologies now? Why not keep some check on the content being shared? Why it came to apologies and blame game? What happened, should never have happened in the first place. Freedom of expression is one thing but sugar coating blasphemous acts under the layers is just grievous and flagitious. Media should be reminded that they are not above the law and strict action should be taken to prevent such acts in future.
Well said ! Media content should be subjected to scrutiny. Agreed!
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