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Will not allow Indian content as 'it damages our culture': CJP
Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday made it clear that the Supreme Court will not allow Indian content to be shown on Pakistani TV channels as it "damages our culture".
A three-member SC bench, under the chief justice's stewardship, was hearing an appeal by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority's (Pemra) against the high court's decision to lift the ban on the broadcast of Indian content on TV channels in Pakistan.
The Pemra counsel Zafar Iqbal Kalanauri apprised the SC bench that foreign content had been banned on court orders before a high court issued a stay order against it.
Pemra Chairman Saleem Baig told the court that 65 per cent of the content shown on Filmazia channel is foreign and that the number at times goes as high as 80 per cent.
At this, the chief justice remarked that "we will not allow Indian content to be aired on [Pakistani] channels".
Pemra counsel explained to the chief justice that "Filmazia is not a news channel but is an entertainment channel; it does not do any propaganda."
"It is, however, damaging our culture," the top judge countered.
The chief justice observed that the Pakistan Broadcasters Association's counsel, Faisal Siddiqui was not in attendance. "We cannot pass a judgement without hearing him," he said.
Subsequently, the hearing was adjourned till the first week of February.
In 2016, Pemra had imposed a complete ban on airing Indian content on local television and FM radio channels.
The decision was largely seen as a tit-for-tat move after similar actions were taken by some channels and the entertainment industry in India against Pakistani content and artists.
In 2017, the Lahore High Court had lifted the Pemra-imposed ban, declaring it null and void as the federal government had no objections regarding the same.
In October 2018, the Supreme Court had reinstated the ban on the transmission of Indian content on local television channels, setting aside the LHC orders.
Comments (101) Closed
Full support to CJ ...... stand with this verdict
Yes, I fully agree there should be no Indian contents shown on Pakistani TV channels. We have to promote our culture through different means.
Indian content on TV has already damaged our culture.
What abount films and pirated CD’s. Will u take notice??
CJP is absolutely right. Tv. Channels must be ashamed.
This is good in theory, but not practical.
Not All indian content is bad - just filter out what you don’t like... I remember there were indian films which used to show the battles for justice between the poor and rich - such films empower the poor and give them hope - Pakistani society needs this as their own film industry does not touch upon such issues
Agreed, and Indian movies should also stop for screening in Pakistan cinemas.
Our own media is showing the content which doesn't match our culture and religion. So we dont need Indian media to spoil us. Our own media is enough to spoil our upcomong genertion. Instead of banning the Indian content. We should fine tune our censorship policy.
Normally I criticize pakistan in my comments but firmly appreciating this verdict. Indian content has already damaged indian culture (to an irreparable extent). In the name of freedom of expression, vulgarity is hugely promoted in india.
What is Pakistani culture?
Correct decision. The culture of Pakistan should be protected and promoted.
great stand by cjp
Is western channels(like star world) are allowed?
I full support cjp and we want to promote our culture.... Not Indian Hindu culture, we is not good for our society.
pls tell me abt pakistani culture and difference
@Ashish Kumar, None of your concern dear. Why you are worried ?
We want this type of judge in India... Who supports Indian culture...
@ Ashish Allow the Pakistani artists and contents u'll get to know.
Excellent decision
Most of the Indian channels are showing Vulgar programmes. The family can not sit together and watch any Indian chennel.
What about channels that are promoting western culture. These also should be ban especially Turkish dramas.
Although I usually take a middle approach on all things in my life but somehow I can’t help acknowledge that this is the right decision.
please ban bollywood movies also.
What about many 'video advertisements' of Pakistani origin? Whose culture they are promoting?
Bravo CJP.
Is Pakistani culture same as Arab culture?
BRAVO! Pakistani channels are banned in India and I see no reason why we should allow Indian.
it should be in the policy that the Indian contents should be ban at every medium
Great move by the wonderful Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Islamic Republic of Pakistan to preserve, protect and sustain the sociocultural values, norms, principles, precedents and practices based on Islam and Islamic traditions of the country and ward-off persistent and consistent attacks by India and Indian multi-media channels in this regard.
Thumb up!!
But, advertisements made in India with Indian actors, are being openly shown on all news papers and electronic media.
Indian movies must also be banned in cinemas in pakisrtan
Please also ban the Indian movies in Pakistan
It makes no sense when millions of illegal DTH connections or online feeds are airing Indian channels
@Ashish Kumar, I am surprised you do not know or at least have heard about Pakistani culture being an Indian. Our history dates back thousands of years: Indus delta was the place man first started civilization together with Nile and Euphrates deltas (Pakistan, Iraq and Egypt). Indus Vally Civilization which whose core Mohenjo Daro and Harappa goes 5000 years back. Then you have Buddhist period, Greek period, Hindu Shahi, Turkic, Mughal, British period collectively making up 2000 years of history before modern day post-colonial Pakistani culture takes shape and form. And please do not argue India has millions of years of history as Ancient India (a description started by British and then picked up by Indians) is actually Ancient Pakistan and India and Pakistan gained independence in the same year.
@Kamran, thank you
Please also take notice of Indian models in Pakistani advertise
Thank you CJ.. Brilliant decision. Please also ban bollywood films on display in our cinemas.
@Shah, - Well said brother and I fully endorse your enlighting views for Dawn's readers.
Great decision! I hope the Indian sops could be banned in India for destroying Indian culture as well.
Agreed. Indian channels should be banned. They don't even portray their own culture.
There should also be ban on Indian movies showing on Pakistani cinema.
A very good move! It should have been done 40 years ago in 70's
Excellent decision by CJP!
Excellent decision! They ban our actors, musicians, writers, poets and what not. it's time to reciprocate.
Brillient and weldon CJ saab
Good decision.
@Shah - but some people believe Pakistani history and culture began in 1947. Who is correct ?
Produce better contents ,, Indian contents will automatically ban. Other wise this all is BACHKANA approach.
Thank you CJP. The nation is with you.
Indian bollywood has misled their own public with lies and deceit, now they try to mislead our public. CJP is a saviour.
Wow! Excellent indeed! This is SURE road to prosperity for Pakistan, but Huge LOSS for India! Not sure how India will recover from this loss caused by us not watching their movies!
Please do not make hollow statements. You may end up eating the humble pie!
Pakistan's DNA is nothing but Indian, at least 85%. They watch Indian programs whether they are in India, Pakistan or elsewhere. There is no doubt about that.
I would suggest just make watching Indian programs on DVDs or pirated equipment a criminal offense in Pakistan.
But don’t we share a common culture?
Supreme court should not be in the media regulating business. With courts like this, Indian films will hardly be needed to damage the country.
@Sid, No. ALL Indian content is bad for Pakistan and any Muslim society.
@Ashish Kumar, Well dear, it's beyond your understanding. So just don't bother.
This is the good step taken by chief Justice of pakistan. Indian channels should ban in Pakistan because they are damaging our cultural values.
Highly commendable action.
We have same culture so what’s the point.
We all, so-called cultured people always be ready to queue up to so-called uncultured western countrie's embacy for visas to left our cultured & holly country , that is our culture.
Only religious beliefs are not part of culture. It is, inherited Life style, Language, Customs,, Tradition, Food, Dress, Sports, & each and every aspect of life. We both India & Pakistan inherit same culture, religious beliefs can not change the TRUTH.
What is our culture. In clothing it is shalwar qameez. Indians have adopted it. In music we and they use the same instruments. In languages our major is Urdu and theirs is almost Urdu like. In intellect they are as primitive as we are. In laws they follow the English system and so do we. The too are democrats , like us. So where is the difference that Honourable CUP is pointing to.
@Sid, Well said. Indians are educating people on social issues through films debates etc. Since our problems are same , we should benefit from their efforts. Hope Honourable CJP will do the needful.
With due respect to CJP, the culture, traditions, we see in our daily lives,like in weddings, and other ceremonies the amazingly same. People in Pakistan elite families celebrate holy, like photo & news viral Bilawal Bhutto play holy and other events with Hindu Community, while officials are seen in Sikh events. Plz CJP let people enjoy each other happiness. There’s no difference in culture nor it’s possible to shun cultural relations, in every bus the common people are enjoying the sweet melodies of Ma’am Lata Mangeshwar, while in India our singers are accepted like hot cakes. Please don’t build a border wall to divide culture, that’s next to impossible.
@M. Saeed, "But, advertisements made in India with Indian actors, are being openly shown on all news papers and electronic media."
This .
@Faheem, CJ .. not enough, make it law otherwise nothing happen.
It may be too risky to let people see the real India.
@Xin Chao, Is Indian culture same as Western culture?
i cant make a difference between contents of both countires. Nowadays both are appprox same, so why a ban??? And also the content shown on Pak media channel doesnt show our culture..
@Shah, If British created India then what Columbus tried to find in 1500, two hundred years before British arrived. Pakistan word never there may be before 90 years. This is not oneupmanship over each other, but obfuscating history is of no benefit to anyone..
Which culture is Pak cj is referring to...are they following middle East culture
If there is so much anger against India at the highest level, why does Imran Khan wants friendship. I think India and Pakistan both are better off keeping maintaining the distance and having little relationship. There is a section in Pakistan who don't want to accept history before a specific period. That had hurt Pakistan tourism and billions of dollars the most, else Harappa and Mohenjo Daro would have brought no less tourists than pyramids of Egypt, another Islamic country proud of their non-Islamic history.
Great move as Pak entertainment industry will not survive in long run For industry to grow there need to have a healthy competition Pak walo tune in for more marsala series movies 1 2 3 .....
Our culture is Indus Valley culture and includes all the subcontinent.
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani, Do you have any?
He is absolutely right
And there is also need for Dawn to be constantly printing articles and news items about Indian entertainment industry.
Growing up we weren't allowed to watch Indian content and were allowed to watch Western movies instead, and although I have disagreements with my parents for some of the things they have done but this has got to be one of the best decision they ever took for us.! Indian content is so vulgar and below par. Great decision that it is being banned!!
Yet there are those who strictly follow the rules made by the authorities for them as well as for their children. Any breakers of the laws of the land can do whatever they want in their homes. Banning the Indian dramas and other tv contents for viewing by the public at large at public places is a desirable step which should be appreciated.
Which culture is this guy talking about? the one he inherited or the one he belongs to.
I am not sure if these judges have in-depth knowledge of cultural history of this subcontinent.
What is ur culture? Please someone explain?
I don't think it is sensible to block any content from anywhere in the world. In this interconnected digital world, we should become open and embrace change and also become a force of change. Culture can never be static. It is as dynamic as languages. We can not dictate people what is good for them. Let the masses choose what is best. I hope , the wisdom prevails.
@Ashish Kumar, Please ask your policy makers why they stopped airing Pakistani programs and artists?
Please. Ban the films too, they have a higher impact on Pakistani culture. They were banned once before but when some people started suffering economically the ban was lifted. I wish it is not lifted this time.
Thanks CJ. Highly appreciate the decision.
Good decision by CJ, but the biggest question is "WHAT IS OUR CULTURE" ??
Could you please define your culture and how different is it from your earlier culture that existed for millennium and more.
we support the SC
@Tariq, Lahore,
There was NO BAN from govt of India. There are no takers for Pakistani actors or programs in India. Simple economics.
I love you man.
And, that culture is??????????
What culture is that? Proud of India! Proud to be a Indian!
@Orakzaiji Please be honest!
@Shah, The culture you are described is shared one. Please specify "What is Pakistan Culture?" Appreciate
@Ashish Kumar,
you have hit the nail on the head. even i would like to know what exactly is pakistani culture. can anyone explain please.
@usman,
he has asked a simple question. pl answer it if you can.
@AD,
since that is not possible for now, is there no other way of knowing what is pakistani culture?
@N. Rahim, Toronto,
may be. but since you understand it well, please enlighten us.