Unethical Dimensions of Ramzan Transmissions in Pakistan

Abstract

The month of Ramadan has special significance for Muslims around the world. Muslims fast in this holy month and spend most of their time in prayers and remembering Allah Almighty. In Pakistan, Ramadan is not only observed and practised by Muslims in daily life, but there is a spree of Ramadan transmissions on TV Channels also. Around a hundred news and entertainment channels are broadcasting their 24/7 transmissions, and Ramadan brings them the opportunity to get viewership and ratings. Almost every channel in Pakistan does “Ramadan Transmission” during this holy month, and these transmissions also get traction and viewership. However, where these transmissions get eyeballs and generate ratings for these channels, these transmissions are sometimes below the ethical standards. Game shows, unnecessary, irrelevant debates, cooking segments, and the use of actors and actresses as anchors for these transmissions not only hurt the sanctity of Ramadan but also create moral and ethical issues. Religious programs such as the Ramadan transmission on PTV, HUM TV, GEO TV, and ARY News are the most watchable programs for the people of Pakistan. Therefore, this paper will investigate which ethical and moral principles of Islam are violated in these transmissions during Ramadan. Normative theory is the most suitable approach to understanding this particular research scenario.