ISLAMABAD: In compliance with a directive issued by the Islamabad High Court last year, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority on Wednesday issued a notification barring all satellite TV channels, FM radios and cable operators from promoting Valentine’s Day in the country.

Pemra also reprinted on the notification the court order that said: “In the meanwhile, respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebrations of Valentine’s Day and its promotion is spread on the electronic and print media. No event shall be held at official level and at any public place. Chairman Pemra is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine’s Day, forthwith.”

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC had issued the order on Feb 13 last year, just a day prior to the Valentine’s Day, on a petition which contended that promotion on mainstream and social media of Valentine’s Day was against Islamic teachings and should be banned immediately.

In the interim order, the judge had sought comments from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Pemra, the ministry of information and broadcasting and chief commissioner Islamabad, but the matter could not be taken up and the petition is still pending adjudication.

Abdul Waheed, the petitioner, had called for a ban on Valentine’s Day celebrations at public places. “In cover of spread of love in fact, immorality, nudity and indecency are being promoted which is against our rich culture,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2018