Pak Punjab Assembly boots out ban on ‘corrupting’ Indian TV cartoon channels proposal

LAHORE - A resolution, demanding a ban on some Indian channels on the plea that they were manipulating the minds of Pakistani children through Indian cartoons, was defeated by majority vote in the Punjab Assembly.

The Assembly members expressed mixed opinion over the resolution, and finally voted it out through a voice vote, saying that it would harm the sentiments of minorities in Pakistan, The Nation reported.

Earlier, Samina Khawar Hayat of the PML-Q had moved the resolution, stating that some Indian TV channels, like Pogo and Cartoon Network, were inculcating Hindu customs, religion and civilisation in the minds of Pakistani children under the garb of entertainment, and hence they should be banned.

Surprisingly, she found very few supporters in a House of 371 members, as a majority of the members opposed the resolution, giving various reasons.

Some legislators pointed out towards moral deterioration in the society and the dual standards of people, stressing that banning Indian channels would be of no use unless we give our children the right kind of education.

Opposing the resolution, Hassan Murtaza of PPP enumerated a number of vulgar Pakistani songs being aired on Pakistani TV channels and shown in city theatres. He then asked the Chair if those songs were of Indian origin, and if not, did they not corrupt the minds of Pakistan’s youth!

Rai Aslam Kharal pleaded that passage of such resolution from Punjab Assembly would hurt the sentiments of minorities. Pointing towards Pakistani flag inside the House, he said that the white colour in the flag symbolised minorities, and hence they were duty bound to allow the minorities to follow their religions and culture.

Sheikh Alauddin pointed out at the double standards existing in the society, and said that it was strange to see that women who had developed a strong liking for Indian jewellery, cosmetics, clothes and dry fruits (cashew nuts), were talking of banning Indian channels.

‘We must end this hypocrisy,’ said Alauddin.

Sajida Mir argued that people seeking the ban on Indian channels would one day also demand the demolition of Hindu temples and Sikh Gurudwaras, taking the same plea that they were spreading Hindu and Sikh culture in the country.
Interestingly, Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood also spoke against the resolution, though it is customary that the Chair does not express its opinion on any issue being debated in the House, however, it is not binding on the Chair to remain neutral. (ANI)