Ban Indian films: Replies sought from govt, censor board

LHC also dismisses application for temporary permission to exhibit film Maalik

LAHORE: Lahore High Court on Thursday issued notices to the federal government and censor board on a petition seeking a complete ban on exhibition of Indian movies in Pakistan.

The petition was filed by stage comedian Iftikhar Thakur through Advocate Ishtiaq Chaudhry. Thakur sought the ban in wake of recent atrocities by forces in Indian-held Kashmir.



The petitioner said the exhibition of Indian films in Pakistan amounted to "rubbing salt into the wounds of Kashmiris". He urged the court to impose a ban on the exhibition of Indian movies in Pakistan. Justice Shahid Karim issued notices to respondents for September 27.

Separately, the LHC dismissed an application seeking temporary permission to exhibit film Maalik till the announcement of its reserved decision on petitions against government for banning the movie. Dismissing the application, Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza asked the applicant to wait for the announcement of the reserved decision.



Social activist Abdullah Malik filed the application challenging the ban on the movie. Justice Mirza had reserved verdict on June 2.

The applicant said the Sindh High Court had set aside the ban and allowed its exhibition. He said the LHC should also allow the film to be exhibited till the court's decision was announced.