ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday barred all print and electronic media from giving coverage to celebrations of Valentine’s Day and its promotion.
The regulatory authority issued the notification in the light of Islamabad high Court orders, passed by Justice Shaukat Aziz in February last year.
Besides banning the event in public places, the court had also issued directives for print and electronic media to “stop all Valentine’s Day promotions immediately”.
The Pemra notification states: “In the meanwhile, respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine Day and its promotion is spread on the Electronic and Print Media. No event shall be held at official level and at any public place. Chairman, PEMRA is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine Day, forthwith”.
Valentine’s Day has always generated a mixed response in Pakistan. While some people have objected to the western tradition and denounced its celebration in Pakistan, others have taken a liking to the festivities that originate as a result of the day.
