There was a time when television channels focused their content during Ramazan predominantly on religious themes. During the era of PTV, even the regular dramas stopped airing throughout the month of Ramazan. This decision was driven by a clear and understandable objective. PTV wanted to respect the importance of the basic principle and spirit of Ramazan by not showing entertainment content on TV.
The era of private channels changed everything. Initially, there was uninterrupted entertainment during Ramazan after private channels took over but there was still a great deal of respect for the sanctity and the spirit of the Holy month of Ramazan. With the success of Suno Chanda and Inaam Ghar, things changed drastically! The producers concluded that entertainment can be sold just as easily during Ramazan as it can be all year through.
What’s So Special about Ramazan Specials?
Initially, producers maintained some connection to the Ramazan theme when creating ‘Ramazan Special’ TV shows and dramas. However, over time, this approach shifted drastically. Love stories and peculiar love triangles began dominating what were dubbed as ‘Ramazan special dramas,’ with little to no mention of Ramazan itself. This left sensible viewers confused, questioning how these dramas could be labeled as Ramazan specials when they failed to embody the essence of Ramazan. Jeeto Pakistan also became a massive hit and it started airing every single day. It was both disappointing and upsetting watching people sell their self-respect for a few gifts!
2024 Ramazan Specials – Losing the Plot?
This year, the sheer volume of Ramazan dramas being announced is both staggering and deeply disheartening. It makes one question the mindset of the producers behind such decisions. Hum TV, for instance, plans to air not just one but two shows, both starting on the first day of Ramazan and airing daily thereafter. In between, they will also broadcast their regular dramas. One of these shows, titled ‘Very Filmy’, appears to have nothing particularly ‘special’ about it for Ramazan, as is evident by its teasers.
There’s a conspicuous absence of any Ramazan-related elements in these dramas. The other show, ‘Dil Pe Dastak’, leaves us wondering about its association with the month of Ramazan. This trend of comedic and romantic shows as a way to welcome Ramazan makes no sense whatsoever!
Ishqaway is Geo’s ‘Ramazan Special’ for this year. Another drama that revolves around romance and comedy is being sold as a Ramazan Special! Our producers and channels are confused about the concept of Ramazan specials.
ARY Digital like the previous few years intends to keep the viewers busy with Jeeto Pakistan starting from 7 pm daily! Jeeto Pakistan is being promoted more than any other show on the channel because the giveaways in the show hold a major appeal for the segment of society that looks forward to winning through these shows. The inclusion of celebrities in the past two years or so has turned it into an entertainment medium as well.
Bol Entertainment has also jumped on the bandwagon this year because clearly, it is working for everyone else so why not?
Green Entertainment is the only channel that is airing a drama titled ‘Nasihat’ as their Ramazan special which promises to be a meaningful drama. At the same time, Green Entertainment is airing ‘Rafta Rafta’ which falls in the same rom-com category and is starting at the beginning of Ramazan but thankfully it is not being labeled or promoted as ‘Ramazan Special’!
Unnecessary Materialism & Distraction
The commercialization of religious occasions or sentiments is not a new phenomenon, and unfortunately, Ramazan has not been spared from this trend. Pakistani television channels, in their pursuit of higher ratings and revenue, have resorted to promoting meaningless romantic comedies, under the guise of “Ramazan Specials.” This materialistic approach undermines the sanctity and essence of Ramazan, which is supposed to be a time of spiritual reflection and self-discipline.
The superficial content being churned out in Ramazan by these television channels lacks the substance that aligns with the spiritual objectives of the Holy month of Ramazan. It also demonstrates a complete lack of respect for this month. Airing frivolous content during this month also serves as a major distraction, diverting attention away from activities that promote spiritual growth and personal development. Instead of fostering an environment conducive to contemplation and mindfulness, television channels prioritize entertainment that does not contribute to the spiritual enrichment of viewers.
Erosion of the Basic Spirit of Ramazan
Pakistani television plays a significant role in shaping the cultural norms and values of the public. By prioritizing superficial entertainment over content that promotes moral and ethical principles, television channels contribute to the erosion of the basic spirit of Ramazan. The normalization of materialistic and consumerist attitudes during Ramazan perpetuates a culture of shallowness and superficiality, detracting from the true essence of the month.
Reevaluating Priorities
Pakistani channels need to reconsider their programming choices and prioritize content that promotes genuine reflection, empathy, and spiritual growth during this holy month. When TV channels show romantic comedies during Ramazan and call them “Ramazan Specials” they are disrespecting the true meaning of Ramazan. By doing so they are clearly saying that making money is more important than being respectful and thoughtful during this sacred month.
Showing romantic comedies during Ramazan does not honor the true spirit of the month. TV channels need to think about what really matters during Ramazan and show programming that reflects those values.
How do you feel about these ‘Ramazan Specials’? Share your views.
