PEMRA takes drama serial ‘Hadsa’ off-air after social media outrage

Geo TV drama serial Hadsa, which created quite abuzz on social media over its alleged portrayal of the 2020 motorway gang-rape case, has been taken off-air by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Wednesday.

According to PEMRA statement, the broadcast/re-broadcast of Hadsa has been prohibited immediately under the relevant laws.

PEMRA notification:

The official notification shared by the authority on X account read, “Barrister Khadija Siddiqui, advocate high court, has lodged a complaint through Barrister Muhammad Ahmed Pansota, advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan against the subject drama serial and prayed to take action under Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and other enabling provisions of law.”

PEMRA also noted receiving numerous complaints from viewers with regard to “plot/theme of the drama serial on its Twitter Handle. Viewers are criticising the plot/theme and graphic portrayal of drama serial ’Hadsa based on a real incident took place at Lahore-Sialkot Motorway.”

“Furthermore, public is of the opinion that portrayal of such heinous act will not only trigger the trauma of that unfortunate victim but would also tarnish country’s image globally and viewers abroad would perceive Pakistan as unsafe place for women,” the statement read.

The authority stated that the drama serial was monitored and its storyline/plot was “highly inappropriate, disturbing and not depicting a true picture of Pakistani society. This drama serial has created an uproar on social media as well as among the society and PEMRA being the regulator is being criticised for not taking action”.

“Broadcast/re-broadcast of drama serial ‘Hadsa’ is hereby prohibited immediately under Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007. The matter is further being referred to the Council of Complaints for appropriate recommendations to the Authority for final decision,” the statement concluded.

PEMRA decision came amidst a wave of strong criticism and public outrage over the drama's alleged portrayal of the motorway rape case that shook the nation and drew strong reactions.

Moreover, Fereeha M Idrees, a journalist who came in contact with the rape survivor, also said the “aggrieved family has shown great relief at the action taken.”

‘Hadsa’ makers react:

Amid criticism, the producer and director of drama serial Hadsa, Wajahat Rauf responded to the online criticism and said the only similarity between it and the 2020 rape case was that the place of the incident was a highway.