PEMRA Bans Geo Drama ‘Hadsa’ on Motorway Rape Case

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has banned the broadcast of Geo’s drama serial, Hadsa, which is based on the tragic Lahore-Sialkot Motorway rape incident that occurred few years ago..

According to the details, the Geo’s drama serial, Hadsa, which airs on a daily basis at 7:00 pm since 21st August 2023, has sparked great criticism across the country for portraying the heinous crime, which may trigger trauma for the victim.

PEMRA states that it has received numerous complaints from viewers with regard to the theme of the drama serial on its Twitter / X handle @reportpempra, demanding the regulator to ban its broadcast in the country.

Furthermore, Barrister Khadija Siddiqui, Advocate High Court, has also lodged a complaint with PEMRA through Barrister Muhammad Ahmed Pansota, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, against the subject of the drama serial and asked action to be taken against it under Section 27 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002.

The regulator has monitored Geo’s drama serial Hadsa and came to the conclusion that is plot is highly inappropriate, disturbing and it is not depicting the true picture of Pakistani society. Furthermore, PEMRA has also been criticized for not taking action against the drama serial itself.

Therefore, PEMRA has banned the broadcast of Geo’s Hadsa on television. “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.” stated PEMRA.

“The matter is further being referred to the Council of Complaints for appropriate recommendations to the Authority for final decision.” it added.

Here is a copy of PEMRA’s notice:

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