Govt seals all theatres in Lahore over ‘vulgarity’

In a decisive move against lewdness and obscenity, Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa has issued orders for the closure of all theatres across the Lahore Division, including Lahore city.

The theatres in Sheikhpura, Nankana Sahib, and Kasur will remain closed until further notice.

Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa undertook an unexpected visit to various theatres in the city last night, where explicit dialogues, indecency, and morally objectionable songs were being performed.

During an interaction with the media Commissioner Randhawa stated that such inappropriate theatre dramas have no place in our society, which is built on values, ethics, and principles.

The theatre management had been previously engaged in discussions with the authorities regarding the implementation of regulations and guidelines for the operation of theatre dramas.

The theatre owners and organisations had assured that no drama containing explicit content would be released.

Commissioner Lahore continued to express that he personally visited various theatres based on multiple reports.

The dramas featured obscene acts, explicit dialogues, and dances that deviated from decency and cultural norms.

Consequently, the commissioner has issued orders for the immediate closure of all theatres across the Lahore Division, including Lahore city.

While the government and administration promote artistic creations in the form of drama, they cannot tolerate obscenity and vulgarity.

The commissioner further clarified that the closure of theatres will persist until theatre owners and organisations cease under-the-table dealings.

The theatres must adhere to the principles of ethics and respect, and the productions should uphold high standards of quality and culture.

The theatre owners and producers have shown a breach of trust by indulging in underground activities against the guidelines.

In response, the Lahore Division, including more than 10 prominent commercial theatres, has been sealed due to violations of the drama act. These theatres will only be allowed to reopen once the amendments to the drama act have been enacted.

In the conversation with media, Provincial Minister for Information and Culture, Aamir Mir, stated that more than 10 major commercial theatres within Lahore Division have been sealed for acting against the drama act. These theatres will be allowed to reopen once the new regulations are in place.

Aamir Mir also mentioned that the theatre owners and producers have repeatedly been warned to comply with the drama act’s guidelines and had given written assurances that they would not promote obscenity through indecent dances.

However, during the recent raids on these theatres, the performances were violating the drama act, leading the government to seal them temporarily.

He further explained that the amendments to the drama act have been initiated by the Punjab government.

The theatres featuring explicit dances will only be allowed to reopen once these amendments have been finalized and implemented.

Aamir Mir emphasised that similar actions are being monitored and promptly addressed in other cities of Punjab, ensuring immediate action against dramas that defy cultural norms. The issuance of warning notices by Section Officer Police Dr Arslan Gondal to all artists did not deter the obscene performances.

These Shaukaz notices have been issued based on the complaint lodged by the Punjab Arts Council.