LAHORE: Minister of Information and Culture Amir Mir has taken decisive action against the proliferation of obscene dances in Gujranwala and Faisalabad. Orders have been issued to remove the directors of the arts council in Faisalabad and Gujranwala from their positions due to their failure to curb the presence of indecent performances in local theaters.

Furthermore, theatres in Faisalabad and Gujranwala that were showcasing such lewd performances have been shuttered.

Mr Mir says that the two Arts Council directors were effectively shielding the people perpetuating obscenity under the guise of art. In lieu of the dismissed officers, new officers have been appointed to assume their responsibilities. Amir Mir also underscored that stringent directives have been dispatched to the heads of Arts Councils throughout Punjab, mandating rigorous oversight of stage productions. Swift and severe measures will be taken in response to any complaints arising in this regard.

Furthermore, Mir said that efforts are underway to amend the Dramatic Performance Act of 1876, with the primary objective of eradicating obscenity from theaters. Once these amendments are enacted, all sealed theaters will be permitted to resume their operations.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2023