Punjab bans 106 songs to ‘sanitise’ stage dramas

WEB DESK: Punjab authorities have imposed a ban on 106 Punjabi songs from being performed in stage dramas, in a move aimed at improving the quality of theatrical entertainment and promoting family-friendly shows.

The Punjab Arts Council and the Information and Culture Department said the decision was part of efforts to standardise content and ensure that theatre remains a source of wholesome entertainment.

Officials added that a complete list of the banned songs has been circulated to all theatres across the province, including in Lahore. Stage monitoring teams have been instructed not to allow these songs to be performed or granted approval during plays.

The government stated that the measure is intended to enhance the overall standard of stage dramas and provide audiences with quality, respectable performances suitable for families.

Punjab tightens laws on commercial theatres

The Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz introduced new legislation to impose stricter punishments on those promoting obscenity and vulgarity in commercial theatres. Information Minister Azma Bokhari had said theatres found violating the rules will receive three show-cause notices, with continued non-compliance resulting in lifetime bans. The move also included reconstituting the Punjab Censor Board and strict monitoring of officials to ensure enforcement. Surprise inspections in Lahore recently led to notices against five actors for alleged obscene performances.

While the government frames the initiative as a step toward promoting family-friendly theatre and safeguarding cultural values, veteran actors have criticised the approach. Khalid Abbas Dar argued that responsibility lies with theatre owners, not performers, noting that contemporary obscenity originates in dance clubs rather than traditional theatres. Sohail Ahmad echoed concerns, emphasising that penalising artists alone will not resolve the issue; instead, quality productions and sincere regulatory efforts are needed to uplift the theatre industry.

The new law builds on earlier anti-obscenity measures, including amendments to the 150-year-old Dramatic Performances Act 1876, and follows similar crackdowns under previous caretaker governments. Stakeholders remain divided on whether the crackdown will genuinely address obscenity or serve political purposes while empowering local authorities to control theatre operations.