It was a bit strange to see actress Maria Wasti taking part in a TV talk show on Sept 7 on having (or not) a moral code of conduct vis-à-vis Pakistani television.

Among other arguments, a few of which were understandable, she spoke on how Indian dramas and films had affected Pakistani culture, a notion that a journalist on the panel completely agreed with.

We shall not comment on that because it requires a detailed analysis of how some Pakistani artists feel when it comes to Indian showbiz. All we can say, with reference to the code of conduct, what conduct will any drama director will adhere to when s/he’s shooting Manto’s Khol Do or Thanda Gosht or Kali Shalwar? Or do our artists believe that Manto should not be discussed at all?