Islamabad (Staff Report): Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered that no ‘circus’ will be allowed to be broadcast on any channel during Ramazan.
IHC Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui remarked while hearing a case concerning the implementation of the broadcast regulator’s code of conduct for Ramadan transmissions and morning shows on television.
According to details, Justice Shaukat added that if Tv channels and anchors don't maintain the sanctity of the holy month the court will impose ban.
Director-General (DG) Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) submitted the watchdog’s guidelines for Ramadan transmissions and assured the court that all channels would have to abide by them.
Justice Siddiqui ordered that the airing of the Azaan (call to prayer) five times a day must also be made mandatory for all channels. “There is no bigger breaking news for Muslims than the Azan,” he said.
“Channels air dance, music and advertisements at Azaan timings”, he regretted.
Justice Siddiqui warned that a ban would be imposed on Ramadan transmissions if this “circus” continued.
“If things are to continue this way, let’s remove ‘Islamic Republic’ from Pakistan’s name,” he said.
The judge also remarked that it was the responsibility of the state to protect “Islamic identity and beliefs”.
Upon inquiring, he was informed that the Pakistan Broadcasters Association’s (PBA) counsel was on leave. “Let him know that no move [to circumvent the rules] will work this Ramadan,” he said.
The court has asked PEMRA for a report, asking how many out of 117 channels in Pakistan will broadcast Azaan.