Amid the ashes of Nishat Cinema

Published January 14, 2015
Burnt film posters inside the building. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
Burnt film posters inside the building. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A burnt film reel. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A burnt film reel. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The old hallway inside the cinema (L) and the current charred remains  of the building (R). — Photo by Muhammad Umar, Nishat Cinema official Facebook page
The old hallway inside the cinema (L) and the current charred remains of the building (R). — Photo by Muhammad Umar, Nishat Cinema official Facebook page
A full view of the burnt remains of Nishat Cinema. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A full view of the burnt remains of Nishat Cinema. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The place that was once a ticketing booth at Nishat Cinema. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The place that was once a ticketing booth at Nishat Cinema. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The wall that used to hang film posters. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The wall that used to hang film posters. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A room full of burnt film reels. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A room full of burnt film reels. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The remains of what was once a gallery in the movie hall. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The remains of what was once a gallery in the movie hall. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The destroyed cinema seats. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The destroyed cinema seats. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A view of the completely demolished film screen. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
A view of the completely demolished film screen. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The ticketing booth and staircase leading to the first floor. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The ticketing booth and staircase leading to the first floor. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
Nishat cinema. — Nishat Cinema official Facebook page
Nishat cinema. — Nishat Cinema official Facebook page
The remains of a destroyed speaker in the rubble. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
The remains of a destroyed speaker in the rubble. — Photo by Muhammad Umar
Nishat cinema. — Nishat Cinema official Facebook page
Nishat cinema. — Nishat Cinema official Facebook page

During the violent protests of angry mobs over the controversial video "Innocence of Muslims in 2012", Nishat cinema became a target of vandalism and arson attacks.

The fate of the charred building of what used to be a bustling Nishat cinema now hangs in the balance as the Mandviwala Estate has put the 66-year-old theatre for sale.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...