Punjab Government Imposes Lifetime Ban on Obscene Theatre Performers
The Punjab government has announced a lifetime ban on theatre actresses found guilty of engaging in obscene performances. The move follows a meeting between Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Zahid Bukhari, and theatre owners to address ongoing challenges within the sector. The government has vowed to take strict action against performers and establishments promoting vulgarity.
Key Decisions Announced
The government has decided to revoke the licenses of theatres found promoting obscenity, with a directive for the Punjab Arts Council to secure formal commitments from theatre owners to refrain from hosting such performances. Theatres that were previously sealed for similar violations will only be reopened once these pledges are submitted.
Read More: Is Humsafar heading to the stage? Fawad and Mahira’s drama could be adapted in India!
Azma Zahid Bukhari emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is committed to transforming theatres into family-friendly spaces, removing the proliferation of vulgar content. She also highlighted that upcoming legislation will regulate stage performances, encouraging dramas that address social issues and provide constructive guidance to the public.
Long-Standing Concerns
This decision follows repeated warnings issued to theatres in Lahore, some of which had failed to comply with regulations, leading to multiple closures. In 2023, the Punjab caretaker government had shut down all theatres in the Lahore division over ongoing violations involving vulgar performances.
Caretaker Provincial Information Minister Amir Mir had previously expressed that the government was forced to take such measures after repeated warnings were ignored. With the introduction of this lifetime ban, the provincial administration is sending a strong message that the promotion of obscenity in theatre will not be tolerated.
The Punjab government hopes that these efforts will restore the cultural integrity of stage performances and foster a positive environment for theatregoers throughout the province.
