KARACHI: The Sindh Board of Films Censor has stopped the public screening of the Indian movie Pathaan.

Following a report published in these pages of Dawn on February 1 about illegal screenings of the movie at different venues in Defence Housing Authority, the SBFC did its own bit of investigation to find the social media pages selling tickets for private screenings of the movie.

According to the SBFC, only films certified by them are allowed for public or private viewing. “No person shall make or arrange a public or private exhibition of a film by means of cinematograph unless the film has been duly certified for public exhibition by the Board.”

In light of the provision mentioned, and citing other laws and punishment including imprisonment for up to three years and fines of as high as Rs100,000, the board demanded from the Firework Events, the company responsible for the screenings, to cancel its shows immediately.

As a result of the warning, Fireworks Events cancelled all of its private screenings of Pathaan.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2023