The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has issued a show-cause notice to the chief executive officer of City News Network following the broadcast of what it termed “objectionable content” during a recent episode of a morning show aired on 24 News.
The controversy stems from the April 13 episode of “Mornings with Fiza,” hosted by Fiza Ali. A video clip from the show went viral on social media, showing guest Ejaz Khan, who is also the host’s husband, lifting her onto his shoulder during the live broadcast. The moment sparked widespread criticism online, with many viewers calling it inappropriate for family television.
Responding to the backlash, Fiza Ali stated that the act was a “lighthearted spontaneous gesture” with no negative intent. However, the explanation did little to calm public reaction, as social media users and public figures continued to question the standards of content being aired on mainstream television.
Among those who criticized the incident was Hina Parvez Butt, who described the gesture as “regrettable” and stressed the importance of maintaining decorum in public broadcasts. She added that television personalities should set positive examples for younger audiences.
Taking notice of the situation, Pemra stated that the programme included “highly inappropriate comments” and an “obnoxious gesture” that were aired without proper editorial oversight. The authority declared the content a violation of its regulations governing ethical broadcasting standards.
The regulator has directed the CEO of City News Network to appear before its headquarters in Islamabad on April 27 and submit a written explanation. The notice also warned that failure to comply could result in legal action, including ex-parte proceedings under Pemra laws.
Additionally, the network has been instructed to immediately stop airing similar content to avoid further violations. The incident has reignited debate about media responsibility, content regulation, and the role of television in shaping societal values in Pakistan.
