Instead of blocking content, the focus should shift to media literacy, open dialogue, and building a society that can tolerate a range of voices—even the uncomfortable ones.

Abeerah Hilal

What Is Ban Culture?

Ban culture refers to the increasing tendency of governments, regulators, or even public pressure groups to suppress media content they deem offensive, inappropriate, or politically threatening. In many cases, these bans come without transparent processes or opportunities for public debate.

Pakistan’s Landscape: Media under Pressure

Pakistan has a long history of media censorship, from banning political talk shows during times of unrest to taking down social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube for allegedly promoting “immoral content.” Recently, movies such as Joyland and several foreign web series have faced bans over their “controversial themes.” Similarly, news outlets and journalists critical of state policies have found themselves under intense scrutiny or blocked altogether.

In 2024, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued warnings to multiple TV channels for airing content that “violated cultural norms,” often without clearly defining what those norms were.

The Double-Edged Sword

Supporters of bans argue they are necessary to maintain order, prevent misinformation, or protect youth from harmful influences. They point to the rise of fake news, online radicalization, and cultural erosion as reasons for tighter control.

However, opponents see these moves as part of a dangerous pattern. “When you shut down dissenting voices or controversial art, you are not solving the problem—you’re just hiding it,” says a Lahore-based filmmaker whose documentary on gender rights was denied a release certificate.

Global Perspective

Ban culture is not unique to Pakistan. In India, films and documentaries critical of government policies have faced similar restrictions. In the U.S., books and school curriculum have recently been challenged or removed in certain states over political and racial content. China and Iran have long histories of media bans to control public discourse.

But democracies are measured by how well they tolerate discomfort. True freedom of expression means allowing voices that challenge, question, and even provoke.

Impact on Creativity and Journalism

Frequent bans and content restrictions discourage creators and journalists from taking risks. When people fear backlash or punishment, they self-censor—even without being explicitly told to. This chills innovation and critical thinking, leaving society with only sanitized, state-approved narratives.

Where Do We Go From Here?

While every country has the right to regulate harmful content, the question remains: who decides what’s harmful? Without transparency and accountability, ban culture can easily become a tool for silencing dissent and maintaining control rather than protecting society.

It’s time to rethink how bans are issued and how media freedom is protected. Instead of blocking content, the focus should shift to media literacy, open dialogue, and building a society that can tolerate a range of voices—even the uncomfortable ones.

Read: Rising Cost of Living in Pakistan

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Abeerah Hilal is student at Mass Communication Department, Karachi University