Difference between private space, invasion of privacy, human rights violation, harassment as well as what makes a responsible behaviour have to be taken into consideration by TV administrations. In my opinion, at this point, the morning shows are a dis-service to Pakistan- questionable behaviour on these shows is simply contrary to what defines Pakistan and Pakistani-ness per se. I strongly feel that most of the talk shows or political shows are more of a circus – full of loose talk and verbal diarrhea and nothing else. Sadly, entire team of the program in question is still in some sort of a bubble and believe that what they did was a good cause and there is a conspiracy behind all this against them. 
Newspapers around the world covered this shameful act which was morally, ethically, socially, religiously wrong. The New York Times, LA Times, BBC, Herald Tribune, Asian Correspondent – literally, newspapers worldwide criticized the manner in which the program was conducted. Everybody who saw the clips is convinced that an apology (in a right manner) is still due. By the way, apology is defined as “a written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another”. To say the least, it must be apologetic but what we saw was anything BUT apology.
How to tackle this menace is a pressing question in a country where lawlessness sees no bounds? My best bet is that legal suits and heavy fines may bring some relief. ‘Mayas of sorts’ are in abundance and another equally questionable anchor is: Jasmeen also from Samaa TV (who can only shout but NOT talk normally) and the list goes on. Such anchors/hosts must go through checks and balances before they open their mouth. These schizopheranic TV hosts needs medical treatment and not the Pakistani television audience on whom they throw their baggage of verbal trash and dirty thoughts in our living rooms, on our families, on our children and on our citizens at large via media on daily basis. This nuisance MUST STOP and sooner the better!
According to the New York Times article contributed by Declan Walsh here, it states that:
“… television is also a lucrative business controlled by powerful, largely unaccountable tycoons. Last year Pakistan’s television stations had advertising revenues of more than $200 million, according to Aurora, an industry journal — 28 percent more than the previous year.
Amid stiff competition for viewers, channels have relied on populist measures — rowdy political talks shows and, in recent times, vigilante-style “investigative” shows modeled on programs in neighboring India.”
NYT while quoting the host of the show writes:
“She also denied that there was anything unusual about asking couples for their wedding certificate — even though she does not carry one. All of “Pakistan knows me and my wedding pictures,” she said. “So I don’t have to.”
NYT further states that :
“…four local non-government organisations (are filing) a civil suit against Samaa TV in Pakistan’s Supreme Court, hoping to galvanise the country’s top judges into action.”
If someone will research and dig a little than they will realize that Samaa TV in particular has a number of “questionable programs” in their pandora’s box. Though this channel has apologized and Pakistanis as a nation are those for whom an apology suffices and are celebrating it but in my view the channel’s heavy-handedness, shameful track record and short-term memory loss – where they have NOT learned from their mistakes – should be seriously scrutinized and penalized.
In an interview, the producer of the program in question on BBC Urdu said that he is not responsible to anyone, at all. The language he uses is objectionable. His interview is worth listening and I am extremely sad that “this type” of (jahils) people are vested with so serious and critical positions. God forbid!
I believe that the best discussion on the vigilante behaviour of this morning show in question was aired by
PTV – the state-run television. Moeed Pirzada of “Sochta Pakistan” had in his panel Quatrina Hosain, Mohammad Malick, Farzana Bari and PEMRA Chairman. They also had Maya – host of the show in question. The entire program can be seen here on You Tube. Maya raised suspicion with regard to the mentality of the whole panel of Sochta Pakistan which left me thinking about the integrity of this woman – Maya.Media has made these god-forsaken TV hosts larger than life, they are the judge and the jury. These TV anchor/hosts are vested with absolute power without realizing that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Moeed Pirzada’s concluding remarks were very interesting and were equally shared by the panel in which he said that “unfortunately, host of the show is in denial and has NO CLUE of her irresponsible behaviour. She is unable to understand that she has committed a moral wrong“.
In the last 15 years, one thing that left a really bad taste in my mouth is the TV channels of Pakistan where on daily basis Pakistan’s tradtions, culture and values are torn apart ruthelessly in the name of freedom of media/press etc. My humble request is that: please stop sabotaging beautiful Pakistani culture and traditions - or else, Pakistan ka Khuda hee Hafiz!
