ISLAMABAD: The police and administration are reluctant to give NOC (No Objection Certificate) to a ‘dharna’ (political sit-in) on November 28.

However, this ‘dharna’ is neither violent nor being staged on the streets. It is a theatre play titled ‘Anwar Maqsood ka Dharna’ (Anwar Maqsood’s sit-in).

Police and local administration, that have been dealing with ‘dharnas’ by opposition parties for the last three months, appear to be averse to this name.

They said they became concerned when they found out that the play included an interview of Imran Khan as they believed this was a bad time to be staging a play with such a name and also featuring Khan’s interview.

“It doesn’t matter whether the play is criticising or appreciating Pakistan-Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader,” an official said. Organisers of the play, in response to these concerns, said the play would be performed for certain people from the corporate sector and not for the public.

Published in Dawn, November 25th , 2014