The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has issued a ban on the broadcast of Geo TV drama ‘Hadsa’ following a complaint by lawyer Khadija Siddiqi. The show has faced criticism for its alleged resemblance to the 2020 motorway gang-rape case. The incident, in which a French woman of Pakistani origin was raped in front of her children on the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, had caused widespread outrage and protests across the country.
The drama ‘Hadsa’ started airing on August 21 and drew criticism for its plot and graphic portrayal of sexual assault, as well as the alleged lack of consent from the rape survivor. However, the makers of the show have denied that it is based on the real incident.
The complaint against the show was filed by lawyer Muhammad Ahmad Pansota, who had been consulted by the rape survivor. Pemra received numerous complaints from viewers who criticized the show for its portrayal of a real-life incident and its potential negative impact on the victim. The regulatory authority found the drama to be highly inappropriate and not representative of Pakistani society. Thus, Pemra has prohibited the immediate broadcast of ‘Hadsa’ under the Pemra Ordinance, 2002. The matter has been referred to the Council of Complaints for further recommendations.
Journalist Fereeha M Idrees, who has been in contact with the rape survivor, stated that the survivor’s family is relieved by the action taken. Lawyer Khadija Siddiqi expressed her concern about the show’s depiction of the survivor’s story without her consent and its potential for retraumatization.
The complaint alleges that the show did not seek permission from the survivor to use her story and was in violation of the Electronic Media Code of Conduct. It further emphasizes the survivor’s disapproval of the drama and the negative impact it has had on her mental health. The complaint urges Pemra to suspend the broadcast of the show and take action against the TV channel’s management. The producers of ‘Hadsa’ have denied any connection to the 2020 incident but have faced criticism for dramatizing the story of a victim.
It is important to respect the privacy and consent of survivors when portraying sensitive subjects in the media. Pemra’s decision to ban the broadcast of ‘Hadsa’ reflects a commitment to protecting the dignity and well-being of survivors and upholding responsible media practices.