Afghan govt bans telecast of Indian serials

Islamabad: The Afghanistan government has ordered private TV stations in the country to stop broadcasting popular Indian soap operas by April 15, a move that apparently reflected the growing influence of hardliners who criticised the serials as being "un-Islamic".

A spokesperson for Afghanistan’s culture and information ministry said the decision followed a meeting with MPs and clerics. He said there were "numerous complaints" about the shows, BBC News reported. Six Indian soap operas are running in Afghanistan, providing vital revenue for TV stations, but they have been criticised for being "un-Islamic" by hardliners. Private TV channels, including Tolo, Ariana and Shamshad, broadcast the Indian soap operas dubbed in Pashto and Persian.

The first Indian serial to be aired in Afghanistan was Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which was launched by Tolo channel in 2005. Among other Indian soaps aired in Afghanistan are Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kasauti Zindagi Ki.

Afghan information and culture minister Abdul Karim Khurram has said the action will be taken against channels that do not stop airing the Indian serials by April 15. (PTI)

Source: Asian Age