Afghan stations broadcasting Indian soaps in spite of ban

Several private Afghan television stations have ignored the government’s recent ban on Indian soap operas, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Wednesday.

The ban was imposed on April 14 in response to scenes in a number of popular Indian programs of men and women dancing together and other “immoral” images. But, according to the article, “some private television stations have ignored the ban and continued to show the popular programs.” The government has been adamant that deviants will be punished, with President Hamid Karzai insisting, “These television programs, which contradict the daily life of Afghans and which our people do not accept, must be stopped.”

Tolo TV, the most popular station, said the ban is illegal. “It is unlawful declaration; we broadcast our programs based on media law, and well never stop airing these Indian serials,” Tolo’s Massod Qiam said.

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