The provincial government has formed a seven-member committee headed by the Punjab Arts Council executive director to review the relevant laws for stopping vulgarity in theatre performances.

The committee has been asked to propose amendments within a week  after revising the 150-year-old laws.  Sources said two press conferences addressed by stage artistes, producers and owners had proved futile and a proposal to ban dance performances during plays in theatres was also under consideration.

Provincial Caretaker Minister of Information and Culture Amir Mir has called for amendments to all related laws for the purpose, including the Dramatic Performance Act 1876.

He said approval of the proposed amendments would be taken in the next meeting of the caretaker cabinet.

Section 15 of the Punjab Council of Arts Act 1975 empowers the body to frame rules and regulations.

He said genuine artistes had supported the decisions against obscenity and the government would not be blackmailed.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court ordered the inclusion in the record of certified documents regarding the head of an organisation that had filed a petition against shutting theatres.

The court was hearing the petition of Qaiser Sanaullah, the head of an association of artistes and producers. The certified documents were submitted after the court’s instructions.

The petition contended that there was no obscenity in the theatres, but clean entertainment was being provided to the citizens.

in another development, the caretaker minister has sought the record of the expenditure incurred on the renovation of the arts academy and repair of the vehicles of the Alhamra Centre, books purchased for the library and other activities of a development committee have also been sought. 

The record of mobile phones and laptops purchased for officials has also been sought from the purchase committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2023.