Women's rights groups outraged following ban on 'Verna'

Pakistan Nari Tehreek, a network of over one hundred grass roots women organisations, is outraged at the Islamabad’s Film Censor Board Committee for banning Shoaib Mansoor's upcoming film Verna, which is expected to release on November 17.

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The film focuses on the issue of rape, which is so rampant in our society. "The incident in D I Khan of stripping a woman naked and frequent incidents of rape are alarming, and it is appalling to see such decisions being made regarding a film which addresses the ill of our society and the gaps in the system," read the petition.

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It firther stated, "It is known to us that the Lahore and Karachi Censor Boards have passed it but still await the final decision from Islamabad.

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The full Film Censor Board is due to revisit and review the film and we hope the board members will realise the importance of Shoaib Mansoor's work and the awareness he has created regarding the heinous crimes against women."

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The petition added, "Verna is also pro-democracy and will take the society forward. As far as we are concerned, the film belongs to the women of Pakistan and it needs to be shown to all, inside and outside Pakistan."

The petition was signed by representatives of the core members of Nari Tehreek including Mukhtaran Mai, Maliha Husain, Bushra Khaliq, Anbreen Ajaib, Aqeela Naz, Shad Begum, Gulalai Ismail, Aasia Mughal, Sidra Humayun, Shazia George, Irum Fatima, Sana Malik

The Censor Board in Islamabad has previously been criticised for banning Bollywood film Dangal, which was internationally praised.

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