Punjab Govt cracks down on theatres, lifetime ban on cards for 'vulgarity'

The Punjab government has decided to impose a lifetime ban on actors, especially female dancers, involved in promoting "vulgarity, immorality, and indecency" during performances. It will also cancel the licenses of theatres where such performances are staged. 

The government has been considering strict action for a long time, especially against women dancers, on complaints of vulgar performances in theatres in the main cities of the province.

"We have decided to impose a lifetime ban on the actors in promoting vulgarity and indecency in theatres in the province. All theatres have also been instructed to comply with the rules. Violations will lead to show-cause notices followed by fines and eventually license cancellations," Punjab's Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari said in a meeting with theatre owners on Saturday.

She expressed her displeasure at the owners’ complicity in allowing vulgarity in their theatres.

The government plans to introduce new laws to support theatres producing family-oriented plays. Bokhari also directed the Punjab Arts Council to obtain undertakings from all theatre owners that they would not allow "obscene or immoral" performances at their theatres anymore.

"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, no permission will be given for vulgarity and indecency in theatres. Theatres in Punjab should produce dramas that are family-friendly and attract families," Bokhari added.

She suggested that theatre plays should focus on social themes to guide and inspire the public.

"Punjab’s theatres were once renowned globally for their unique identity and quality. The government is planning new legislation for theatres soon. It will fully support the theatre owners if they produce family-oriented plays," she said.

A couple of months ago, the Punjab government, under Maryam Nawaz, launched an anti-obscenity drive forming a seven-member advisory committee to make commercial theatre plays "civilized and family-friendly."