Lahore: Secretary General of Halqa-e-Khawateen Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Dr. Humaira Tariq, along with Deputy Secretary and Director Media Cell Ms. Sameena Saeed, have strongly condemned the objectionable content being aired in a private TV channel drama 'Meri Zindagi,' terming it a blatant violation of Islamic moral values, family structure, and Pakistani societal norms.
They stated that the drama portrays a so-called transgender character (biologically male) in a family and domestic role, which is a deliberate attempt to normalize content that contradicts modesty, moral boundaries, Islamic teachings, and the traditional family system. Such portrayals not only deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people but also stand in clear conflict with Pakistan's constitutional, moral, and social framework.
Dr. Humaira Tariq and Ms. Sameena Saeed emphasized that the broadcast of such content is a clear violation of PEMRA laws and codes of conduct. They highlighted that: Under the PEMRA Ordinance 2002, licensed television channels are strictly prohibited from airing content that is against morality, decency, religious and social values, or the public interest.
The Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015 (PEMRA) mandates that program content must not be contrary to ethical standards, decency, or Pakistan's cultural and religious sensitivities, and must avoid material that can cause moral or intellectual corruption in society.
According to the PEMRA Rules 2009, all programs and advertisements must strictly comply with the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and the prescribed Code of Conduct.
They strongly protested against this misleading and objectionable content and urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs to take immediate notice of this sensitive issue by coordinating with the relevant authorities, particularly PEMRA and the Ministry of Information, to ensure the following actions: Immediate suspension or removal of the objectionable and misleading content of the drama 'Meri Zindagi.'
Issuance of a show-cause notice to the private TV channel management and holding the channel accountable in accordance with the law. Implementation of clear, strict, and effective guidelines along with a robust monitoring mechanism to prevent the broadcast of such content in the future.
They stressed that this issue goes far beyond entertainment. It is directly linked to the moral and intellectual upbringing of the younger generation, the protection of the family system, and the preservation of societal peace and values. The Ministry of Religious Affairs must fulfill its constitutional and moral responsibility by taking prompt, clear, and decisive action in this matter.
Moreover Dr. Sameeha Raheel Qazi, Dr. Zubaida Jabeen, Attya Nisar, Iffat Sajjad and Aysha Sayyed also demanded to ban the drama.