KARACHI: The Pakistan Film Exhibitors Association, southern zone, on Monday appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah to place a ban on all forms of processions on M.A. Jinnah Road in the wake of the Friday violence during which several cinemas and other public and private properties were set on fire.

They also sought compensation for the financial losses the cinema owners suffered besides the necessary steps to prevent such pandemonium that put private property at risk.

The demands were made by southern zone chairman of the PFEA Nadeem Mandviwalla while speaking at a press conference. Chaudhry Farrukh and Shiekh Adeel Imtiaz of Capri and Bambino cinemas, respectively, were also present.

Mr Mandviwalla said: “Burning of cinema houses in Karachi is a major setback for the cinema industry.”

Mr Adeel of Bambino cinema said: “Everything from my office was taken including LCDs and computers. The sad part is that all this was done in the name of Islam. I didn’t get the cinema insured, as I couldn’t afford the cost of insurance. The association needs to take a unified stand to provide the reasonable compensation for our losses.”

Mr Farrukh of Capri Cinema said: “They had come prepared with rods and bolt cutters. They had not only subjected one of my employees to torture but also burnt down the cinema. My employee had no other choice but to run to save his life,” he said.—Staff Reporter