ISLAMABAD, Aug 29: Adding to the stir caused by salaciousness of the Indian film Jism-2 is the tiff between two distribution companies and allegations of political meddling.

United Pictures International (UPI) of Lahore has challenged the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for distribution of the Bollywood flick to two companies in Pakistan simultaneously by the federal Ministry of Regulation and Services.

The second company drawn into the feud is Tehalka Private Limited (TPL) of Karachi, which is being alleged to have used its links with the PPP in the affair.

On Wednesday, IHC judge Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi while hearing the petition directed Advocate Ch Ahmad Masood Gujjar, the legal counsel for UPI, to elaborate whether the ministry could issue two NOCs at a time.

The hearing was adjourned after the counsel sought some time to discuss this point.

According to the petition filed by UPI, the company purchased the ownership/distribution rights of Bollywood movie Jism-2 from Hong Kong.

On July 24, UPI filed an application before the Ministry of Regulation and Services stating that it was importing the said film and an NOC be granted for custom clearance.

The ministry on July 26 granted NOC to UPI and on August 2 the commerce ministry issued a letter allowing UPI to release the film. It further advised UPI to approach the Collectorate of Custom for necessary action.

“The petitioner paid the necessary fees for release of the film and after the film was delivered, UPI invested a huge amount on advertisement of the film,” the petition added.

On August 9, the petitioner received a letter from the Ministry of Regulation and Services issued by a section officer of the ministry, Maqsood Ahmad Bariro, whereby the earlier NOC for the film was withdrawn.

The petitioner in his complaint added that no plausible or cogent reason was stated for the withdrawal. At the same time, UPI claims that the second NOC to TPL was issued under political duress since its owner Dr Mohammad Shahzad has links with the ruling PPP.

On August 17, the Ministry of Regulations and Services held an inquiry into the matter and the petitioner was issued an NOC once again. However, section officer Mr Bariro also issued an NOC to TPL.

The petition contends that the said act of the ministry was illegal and unlawful.

“TPL released the said film in different cinemas on Eid that caused a colossal financial loss to UPI. It is requested that the court suspend the NOC issued to TPL. We further pray that the release of Jism-2 by TPL at different cinemas be stopped till final adjudication of the matter,” the petition stated. — Malik Asad