Freedom of speech is the
concept of the inherent human right to voice one's opinion publicly without
fear of censorship or punishment. "Speech" is not limited to public speaking
and is generally taken to include other forms of expression.
The definition does not end over here but it extends to further elucidate
the limitations and restrictions associated thereby with this concept. Any
freedom which is intended to hurt others’ feelings, values of ethics and
morality or religious sentiments is never permissible.
Basically, for the last many months what we are watching on various
Pakistani media channels comprise a number of advertisements that are
totally contradictory to our Islamic Culture, values of ethics and norms of
morality.
Every day we come across newer advertisements of various brands and
companies on the electronic and print media which manifest something that is
not readily acceptable by an Islamic society.
Primarily, what is being shown to us nowadays through media channels is
about the love of a person with a lady. The person gets a friend request of
that lady on a social website and is happy to be welcomed with the request.
Soon both of them share chocolate ice-cream with each other in a highly
awkward manner. Many people have raised objections on the advertisement but
to no use.
Here comes the next. I am having a Smartphone. It is very latest having Quad
Core Processor and 4.5 inches screen. It keeps me close to my fans and keeps
me connected to my home. Ohh!! One more thing is that it helps me in my
makeup sessions. For going to any shoot, I need that phone at every cost. I
am that.. Are you?
Yes, here one more advertisement. I am having a Smartphone having limitless
home screens, a wide angle for selfie camera. Not only this, but it also has
a weight only of 97 grams and a good screen size. The advertisement comes to
an end in an extremely immoral manner when the man says “waiting for” and
the lady’s statement continuity of the person’s speech, which sounds badly
ridiculous. Many people have raised objections on this advertisement but all
in vain.
Here we go to the next; I have a shampoo to use on my hair. It has so and so
benefits. It can be used for dry hair, is goof for avoiding hair fall, etc.
It may have many benefits but what is the need in such an advertisement for
the ad participant to not cover him/herself as required.
To defend their point of view, such advertisement makers quote the right of
speech freedom which is miles far from reality.
Personally no one has any sort of grudge with these companies or brands but
truly speaking, being responsible citizens of Pakistan, many are critically
concerned about such kind of framed irreproachable attacks on Pakistani
Islamic Ideology.
On a very serious note, these modes of transmuting mindsets of the masses
and solecism of the freedom of speech for one’s own benefits can neither be
justified on moral grounds nor can it be defended on religious grounds but
can only and only be criticized, as a matter of fact, which Pakistani’s do
merely.
These unethical advertisements can be portrayed as nothing else but a
planned attempt to malign the positivity of the perfect Islamic Culture.
So let’s now have a look at what’s enshrined in the Pakistani constitution
of 1973 and relate it to this very discussion of obscene advertisements in
the country:
19
Freedom of speech, etc.
Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and
there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions
imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity,
security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with
foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to
contempt of court, 30[commission of] 30 or incitement to an offence.
Article: 37 Promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils
37. Promotion of social justice and eradication of social evils.-The State
shall-
(a) Promote, with special care, the educational and economic interests of
backward classes or areas;
(b) Remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory secondary education
within minimum possible period;
(c) Make technical and professional education generally available and higher
education equally accessible to all on the basis of merit;
(d) Ensure inexpensive and expeditious justice;
(e) Make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work, ensuring
that children and women are not employed in vocations unsuited to their age
or gender, and for maternity benefits for women in employment;
(f) Enable the people of different areas, through education, training,
agricultural and industrial development and other methods, to participate
fully in all forms of national activities, including employment in the
service of Pakistan;
(g) Prevent prostitution, gambling and taking of injurious drugs, printing,
publication, circulation and display of obscene literature and
advertisements;
(h) Prevent the consumption of alcoholic liquor otherwise than for medicinal
and, in the case of non-Muslims, religious purposes; and
(i) Decentralize the Government administration so as to facilitate
expeditious disposal of its business to meet the convenience and
requirements of the public.
When the printing, publication, circulation and display of obscene
literature and advertisements; is clearly meant to be avoided as per the
1973 constitution of Pakistan, then what makes it nearly impossible for us
to implement the said article in our country?
Which authority from Pakistan will take notice of these momentous areas of
concern and when? But it is surely the voice of every Pakistani to deal with
such issues on priority basis..!!