COVID-19: Cinemas, theatres in Pakistan to close down

The decision comes as an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country

LAHORE: Cinema houses, theatres and performing arts departments across the country have been asked to close down all activities till the first week of April in the wake of a global pandemic.

The move comes after more cases emerged in the country over the week, leading to closure of educational institutions and barring of audiences from the ongoing Pakistan Super League matches at stadiums.

Following the decision, commercial theaters in the Lahore closed down their halls, postponing or canceling all scheduled theatre plays. "All sorts of cultural activities including programs for children's and upcoming events at all Alhamra halls are cancelled,” said Subha Sadiq, official spokesman of Alhamra Arts Council.

Not just the Alhamra Arts Council, but also the Punjab Arts Council and all major Arts Councils in big cities have canceled their upcoming events and programs. All major cinemas across the countries have also closed doors.



The decision will also halt the release of Sakina Samo's upcoming film Intezar and the Pakistan Fashion Week among other big events. The special screening of drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa, scheduled for Sunday, was also postponed. The Punjab Festival which was scheduled to take place on Saturday also saw a postponement. The event was to feature the Chief Minister of Punjab as a chief guest.

"The new release date for the film Intezar will be announced after the opening of cinema halls,” said a Distribution Club official.

Senior theatric Shiba Butt expressed her concern about the situation, saying, "There are many artists, especially the lower staff at cinemas and theatres who are worried as it is the only source of income for them. But security is important so we are supporting the government.”

The closure will also impact the already struggling cinema industry. "We are already facing issues due to non-availability of the films and now the closure of cinemas will also increase our financial issues,” said Jahanzaib Ali, Manager of Super Cinema Lahore.

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