Pemra bans live audiences

ABDUL RASHEED AZAD

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has banned live audiences to attend Ramzan transmissions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. A notification issued by Pemra has further advised channels to disinfect and sanitize equipment, while providing safety kits to the staff engaged in the transmission, in any capacity.

“There should strictly be no live audience during regular Ramzan transmissions at sehr and iftar timings as public gatherings for any purpose are deemed hazardous and probable source for spreading the disease not only among the audience but to the crew member/staff of the channels,” it said.

The authority has also prohibited the distribution of extravagant gifts on Ramzan shows.

“No display of gifts, bikes, cars as world is suffering from hunger, scarcity of resources and joblessness and this would give a very negative impact. Instead, concepts of social uplifting during the crisis may be introduced,” the authority said.

Any show indulging in hate speech or not complying to the said instructions will be prohibited immediately.