MPs scorn visual media outlets for ‘un-Islamic’ shows

KABUL, upper house, on Wednesday criticised some visual media outlets for telecasting programmes in contrast with Islamic and Afghan cultural.

The criticism came at a joint meeting of the house religious, cultural and higher education affairs commission’s members with media officials.

Senate secretary Abdul Wali Raji said some visual media aired video clips showing girls dancing half-nude, which he said was in a total contrast to Islamic culture.

Without naming any, he said: “Unfortunately some TV channels do not care for Islamic values and are showing programmes of their own choice”.

Upper house religious, cultural and higher education affairs commission head, Khaliq Dad Balaghi, accused some media outlets of promoting foreign languages.

However, media officials insisted their broadcasts were in accordance with Islamic rules.

A Tolo TV channel official, Sidiq Ahmadzai said: “Our telecasts include news and other informative programmes, which are in no way against Islam.”

News department official at the “ONE” TV, Samiullah Miehdi, also said their programmes could not be called as objectionable.

Speaking on the occasion, deputy information and culture minister, Din Mohammad Mubariz Rashidi said a draft law on access to information had been submitted to the Ministry of Justice before being approved by the Wolesi Jirga. 

After its approval, the law will enable media outlets to sue a government official for refusing to them access to information, he said.

He also appreciated some media organisations for introducing productive and constructive programmes and called for increase in broadcasts about Islamic education and women and children rights.

mm/ma

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