Drama industry of Pakistan is the strength of our showbiz and it has progressed a lot with highly professional artists. But who knows that what started with Urdu dubbing, showing half naked bodies became a challenge and a great debate for Pakistani Media Industry. Some years back Indian channels were famous showing saas bahu rivalry and a dreamy world. After banned by PEMRA our channels started buying their shows and still airing their sagas, now our channels are full of foreign ‘yalgaar’ of soaps and dancing shows.
A local channel aired ishq-e-mamnu and soon it hooked the audiences because of its locations, lavish lifestyles, and charming hero, heroine. IM got so much hype that I have heard a girl saying ‘mama bihter wala coat’.Their soap operas are playing a major role for promoting their economics because people are more interested in visiting those outstanding places. As a result Turkish trade will increase and viewers totally forget local products.
After that we have mera sultan, fatmagul, ishq, fareeha, iffet and many more highlighting skin shows, extra marital affairs, liquor, lengthy and emotionally charged situations. Channels switched to Turkish soaps because it gives them more ratings in fewer amounts. In this rat race our entertainment channels are filled 50% with foreign serials. And, PEMRA has created double standards for foreign and local shows like our actors are not allowed to show liquor or bold dressing but going against this rule we all had seen a women sipping wine in bath tub and they (PEMRA) have not taken any action against that channel. Indian soaps are also on-aired these days that contain baseless and never ending stories.
Turkey is a liberal Muslim society their programs especially dramas are famous all over the world and are always available in various languages. But this is somehow not in benefit for our directors, producers, actors, technicians and others. The ones whose voices are used for dubbing and channels are getting the advantage of the situation but our own talent is neglected. Pakistan was known for its plays like zaib-un-nisa, aghosh, haqeeqat and who forget kids favourite Ainak wala jin, Uncle Sargam’s puppetry. Then after arrival of private channels shows like humsafar, meri zaat zarra-e-benishan, kaafir,bol meri machli, mera naseeb, dil-e-muztar and list go so long. All these are our own programs and we have the strength and aptitude to do creative quality work.
We all just need to gather on a platform and take steps to improve and compete with this condition. We have to value our artists, writers so that our dramas are also aired on international level and Pakistan is recognized and taken in a positive form.
