The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution against the alleged negative portrayal of Pashtuns in the HUM TV drama serial “Aap Ki Izzat”.
The resolution expressed strong concern over the portrayal of a Pashtun character in the drama.
According to the resolution, a vegetable vendor is shown as a Pashtun character who is greedy and immoral.
The character is also shown trying to lure, rob and harm a married woman.
The resolution said this portrayal creates a negative and stereotypical image of Pashtuns.
It said the depiction goes against values associated with Pashtun society, including honour, hospitality and family values.
The resolution also raised concerns about the portrayal of Pashtuns in national media.
It said Pashtun characters are often shown as watchmen, drivers, labourers, vegetable vendors or other low-status workers.
The resolution said such characters are sometimes linked with negative or criminal traits.
It said such portrayals could hurt the sentiments of millions of Pashtun citizens and affect inter-provincial harmony.
The KP Assembly called on the federal and provincial governments to approach PEMRA over the drama’s controversial content.
It also called for an impartial review of the content. Action should be taken if any violation of the code of conduct is established.
The resolution urged media houses to avoid negative stereotypes based on ethnicity, language, province or cultural identity.
It also called for responsible and balanced representation that promotes national unity.
