LHC had previously told them to stop licensing smuggled Indian films. DESIGN: AMNA IQBAL/FILE
The Lahore High Court on Monday once again issued notices to the Pakistan Central Censor Board chairman and the federal government to submit a reply in response to a petition challenging the alleged smuggling of Indian films and their exhibition in Pakistani cinemas.
The court had previously directed the respondents to enforce the relevant laws to stop the smuggling of Indian films and their exhibition in the country.
Justice Muhammad Khalid Mahmood Khan was told that the respondents had not submitted replies or comments, even though notices in this regard were issued at the previous hearing.
The court adjourned the hearing till December 12 and directed the respondents to file replies.
Mubashar Luqman, had submitted through his counsel, that Indian films were being smuggled into Pakistan and the Pakistan Censor Board was issuing illegal exhibition licences to them.
He said that Indian films were promoting terrorism and lawlessness. He said the Ministry of Interior should be directed to initiate action under the Anti-Terrorism Act against those involved in smuggling Indian films to Pakistan and screening them.
He said the screening of Indian films in Pakistani cinemas was illegal, especially of films smuggled into the country.
Luqman requested the court to direct the Customs authorities to stop this practice and initiate action against relaying smuggled films under the Customs Act. He said the Censor Board chairman should be issued directions to stop issuing licences to all smuggled Indian films.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2013.
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