Islamabad’s only cinema sealed for screening movies at ‘Iftar time’

Published July 27, 2014
Notice on the Cineplex website says the cinema has been closed until further notice.
Notice on the Cineplex website says the cinema has been closed until further notice.

ISLAMABAD: The district administration on Saturday sealed Cineplex, the only cinema in the federal capital located at Centaurus Mall, and arrested five of its employees for screening movies at ‘Iftar time’.

The administration closed the cinema for an indefinite period under the Ehteram-i-Ramazan Ordinance, which prohibits screening of movies during Iftar and Taraveeh.

The fun-starved people of the federal capital expressed their fear that they would be deprived of entertainment during Eid days as Islamabad has no other cinema.

“Following a complaint by a citizen, we raided the Centaurus shopping mall and sealed Cineplex for showing film during Ramazan,” said Abdul Sattar Esani, additional deputy commissioner general.

Sources said during the raid fear and panic gripped the people visiting the Mall for Eid shopping.

It is relevant to note here that it was only entertaining place for around two million citizens of the federal capital.

“At the moment, I can’t say when the cinema will be reopened. Besides fine, the cinema could be sealed for a maximum of six months under the ordinance,” Mr Esani said and added that cases against the arrested employees of the cinema would be registered under the ordinance.

Islamabad used to have three cinemas: Nafdec, Melody and Sitara Market, which were closed due to various reasons, including riots, in which the Melody Cinema was burnt.

“Being a citizen, I have serious concerns about the closure of the cinema. I will request the authorities concerned to open the cinema for Eid, as in the federal capital we have no alternative source of entertainment,” said Mohammad Ishtiaq, a frequent customer to the Centaurus Shopping Mall.

Despite repeated attempts, the Cineplex administration could not be approached for comments.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...