SHC orders Humayun Saeed to explain ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’s ‘offensive’ dialogues ‘in person’

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned Humayun Saeed to appear “in person” and explain the offensive dialogues in Meray Paas Tum Ho.

According to a report in Samaa News, a petition was filed in the SHC against the drama in which the petitioner Sana Saleem alleged that the script, penned by the controversial Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, contained derogatory language when talking about women. Saleem wanted the writer, actor and producer to apologise for this.

Saleem’s lawyer, Munir Gulal, argued that a line from the show had become quite popular, hurting the reputation of women in the process.

In addition, the petitioner also objected to the fact that “a divorced couple were living together” and “a six-year-old was playing matchmaker between his father and a school teacher”.

Read more – Mansha Pasha defends ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’

SHC’s Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed and Justice Muhammad Ali Azhar, who heard the petition on Wednesday, directed all respondents including the federal government, PEMRA and the drama’s makers to submit their replies by February 13.

Though ARY and PEMRA’s lawyers were present in court, Justice Azhar questioned why Humayun did not appear before the court. The hearing was adjourned till February 13 after ARY’s lawyer ensured that the actor would appear before the court.

Despite becoming TV’s highest-rated drama of all time, Meray Paas Tum Ho, starring Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan, Hira Mani and Adnan Siddiqui, drew the irk of some viewers who criticised the drama for promoting misogyny and sexism.

Earlier, a petition was filed in Lahore’s civil court to stop the last episode of the drama from being aired. The petitioner, Maham, had filed a plea to stop the release of the last episode because it has had a “negative impact and continues to degrade the status of women in our society”.

Read more – Court dismisses petition against ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’

However, after examining statements and documents from representatives of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and ARY Digital, Civil Judge Naila Ayub dismissed the petition and said that show had received clearance from the censor board of Punjab to screen in cinemas so there was nothing inappropriate in it.