February 8, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode focused on the negative influence of Pashtu CD dramas and films on the viewers. Moreover, the program discussed domestic violence and the degrading of women. The reformation of the screening council and censorship board was also highlighted.

The program was aired under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (debate and council). Mr. Jamal Nasir, a director and filmmaker of Pashtu dramas, and Mr. Ghulam Mehmood Shahab, a senior broadcaster and actor, were the guests.

A report on the program’s central shared the views of the public, artists, filmmakers and students. Mr. Nimat Khan, a local elder, said, “Pashtu CD dramas and films are one of the main reasons that spread violence, terror, and promote the use of drugs.” Mr. Iftikhar Khan, a drama writer, said, “These films and dramas are produced for business only, and have nothing to do with the Pashtun culture. In the long run, it can prove to be dangerous for our youngsters, as it has a direct impact on them due to the easy availability. Another local elder, Mr. Shakir Ullah, said, “These dramas and films have nothing to do with literature and recreation, and rather these frustrate the viewers. Whatever is depicted in these dramas and films is entirely opposite to Pashtun culture.”

A total of six callers participated in the show. They demanded that the government ban these films and dramas and that a screening council for content and quality check should be reinstated.

A caller on the show, Mr. Aziz Rehman Marwat, said, “There is a dire need for the government to establish a screening department to monitor the quality of audio and video production, because the producer’s concern is business related.” Another caller, Mr. Dill Jan Khan, said, “Some of the dramas and films are promoting the use of guns, which spread violence among youth. The youth is the target audience of these productions.” A third caller, Mr. Asfandyar Khan, said, “The locally produced films and dramas are portraying a bad image of Pashtuns and the government agencies and civil society should stand against this.”

Mr. Jamal Nasir, Director and films maker.

“Due to the use of cheap marketing techniques, these violence based Pashtu CD dramas and films are produced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). We have seen the negative impacts of these productions on our youth. If this problem is not handled carefully it could be one of the main reasons of radicalization amongst youngsters.”

Mr. Ghulam Mehmood Shahab, senior broadcaster and actor.

“The government should concentrate on the quality check of the locally produced Pashtu films and dramas, and also establish a proper screening system, otherwise, instead of recreation, it will escalate violence in the society ”