The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to the Chief Executive Officer of City News Network after a clip from the morning show Mornings with Fiza sparked widespread criticism online.

 

The clip, from the April 13 episode, shows host Fiza Ali being lifted and briefly slung over the shoulder of her husband Ejaz Khan, who was appearing on the show as a guest. 

 

The moment spread quickly on social media and drew sharp reactions, including from official quarters.

 

Hina Parvez Butt, chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, called the incident "regrettable" and said adults should "demonstrate good morals and decorum so that children and the younger generation can learn something better."

 

Fiza Ali, a day after the clip went viral, defended the moment and said it was a "lighthearted spontaneous gesture that did not have any bad meaning behind it."

 

Pemra issued the notice on Monday, saying the episode contained "highly inappropriate comments" and an "obnoxious gesture" by a guest that were "aired without any editorial oversight." The authority said that the programme violated PEMRA rules and directed the network's CEO to appear before the regulatory body in Islamabad on April 27 with a written reply explaining why legal action should not be taken.

 

The CEO was also ordered to "stop telecasting such inappropriate content." 

 

PEMRA warned that non-compliance would result in ex-parte proceedings and further legal action under the relevant regulations.