Punjab to put lifetime ban on theatre showcasing ‘obscenity’

LAHORE: The Punjab government is now gearing up to impose a lifetime ban on theatre productions as well as theatre artists who are involved in projecting ‘obscenity’ and ‘vulgarity’ especially during stage dramas.

Following a meeting of Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari with theatre owners on Saturday, the minister expressed strong disapproval of immorality shown in stage dramas, stressing that theatres involved in promoting such activities will have their licenses cancelled. Similarly, the Punjab Arts Council has been instructed to obtain undertakings from theater owners promising to adhere to moral standards. Theatres that had been sealed previously, however, will be allowed to reopen after obtaining the required undertakings.

“The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, envisions transforming theaters into family-friendly entertainment venues, and we theatre dramas that address social issues and prove as a tool to raise awareness amongst the public,” she stated.

It was also conveyed that the Punjab government is currently working on new legislation for theatre, aiming to provide full support to theater owners who produce family-oriented dramas.

All theatres have been given a final warning, and those violating the rules will at first face show-cause notices, fines, and ultimately, the cancellation of their licenses.