LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has issued notices to the proprietors of three stage theatres and nine actresses for scandalous theatrical performances.

The deputy commissioner (DC) has also requested that a complete ban be imposed on female actresses and that theatres’ licenses be suspended/revoked on account of gross violation.

Acting upon the report by the Lahore DC, the home department has issued show cause notices to Tamaseel theatre licensee Qaiser Sanaullah Khan, Sitara Theatre (Gajjumatta) proprietor Malik Tariq Mahmood and Naz theatre proprietor Malik Imran Dawood for scandalous, obscene dramatic, thematic and theatrical performances in stage plays – Nachy Sara Lahore, Janu Eid Ty Bakra and Paredesi Dhola.

The department has sought a written reply within seven days that their licenses should not be revoked under the Dramatic Performances Act of 1876. In the event of failure to submit a reply, ex-parte proceedings will be initiated against the theatres.

Similarly, the department has also issued show cause notices to three female stage actresses from each theatre and are required to reply to the notices within seven days or ex-parte proceedings will be initiated.

The notices have been issued to actresses Nayab Khan, Sheela Chaudhry and Ayan Akhter for their performances at Tamaseel theatre. Similarly, actresses Roop Jutt, Tabassum and Farah Khan at Sitara Theatre, as well as Roshani Khan, Kajal Chaudhry and Sara Khan at Naz Theatre, have been issued notices.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2023