The Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari made a surprise visit to various stage theatres across Lahore to assess the cleanliness and cultural standards of the area. The places visited included Mehfil Theatre, Prince Theatre and also Tamseel Theatre.
During the visit, Dawn reports Bukhari expressed disdain over the poor cleanliness and mismanagement of the theatres, but especially voiced concern over the vulgar songs and the inappropriate attire of the female dancers.
Five actors Sajan Abbas, Neeli, Saima Khan, Nayab Khan and Sonu Butt received show-cause notices over vulgarity and obscenity in theatres, and the Minister warned that further violations would enforce a lifetime ban on performing theatre.
According to outlets, Azma Bukhari had urged members of the Punjab Arts Council to work together to ensure the quality content produced in theatres is improved.
“I don’t want to snatch anyone’s livelihood but I will not allow obscenity and indecency in Punjabi theatres,” Bokhari said.
She also urged theatre owners to stop promoting vulgarity through theatre performances and focus on making dramas with healthy content that provides healthy entertainment for audiences.
Previously back in 2023, Express Tribune reported that theatres across Lahore were sealed shut after Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa found instances of obscene dialogues, vulgarity in songs within dramas.
