We support the senate's decision on 'Zindagi Tamasha': Chairman CII

The council had been barred from reviewing the film by the Senate Function Committee on Human Rights

LAHORE: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) was stopped by Senate Function Committee on Human Rights on Wednesday from screening the film Zindagi Tamasha. CII Chairman Dr.Qibla Ayaz has agreed to not resist the committee's decision over the issue.

"It has come to our knowledge that the Senate Function Committee on Human Rights has bared us from reviewing the film. We have no objection over this decision. In case the committee wants us to play a role in deciding the fate of the film, we will gladly offer our assistance. But we wont object if they don't take us into the loop. Earlier on we were told to review the film but we were yet to do it," Ayaz told the Express Tribune.

The Senate Function Committee on Human Rights took this decision after an in-camera session was held to discuss  Zindagi Tamasha on Wednesday. The panel, chaired by PPP Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, got briefing from officials of the central and provincial censor boards.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Khokhar said the committee has barred the CII from reviewing the film and directed the Central Board of Film Censors to provide a copy of the film for screening.
“A screening of the film will be arranged on March 16. The panel will decide if the film needs to be sent to the CII for approval. If we do not find the film objectionable, orders will be given for the film’s immediate release,” Khokhar said.

Khokhar said only parliament has the authority to refer matters to the CII and no ministry can consult the advisory body on its own. “The law defines this in clear terms,” he said. “Going by the details provided in the in-camera briefing, there appears to be nothing objectionable in the film.

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