Stage artistes have asserted that closing down theatres is not the solution to the problem of obscenity and the livelihood of thousands of people dependent on the sector should be protected.

Those who promote obscenity should be dealt with appropriately, they added.

Addressing a media conference along with Punjab Artistes Association chairman Qaisar Sanaullah, theatre actors Taher Anjum, Amanat Chan, Qaiser Piya, Shahid Khan and Durdana Rahman supported strict regulations against those performing indecent dance.

Taher Anjum said senior actors had advanced the theatre industry but some elements were tarnishing their image by resorting to indecency.

Those who promote obscenity should be punished, but shutting down threatres is not a solution, he added.

Durdana Rahman said there used to be family dramas in theatres in the past but now they were running solely on the basis of dance.

The Punjab Arts Council has asked the DCs of Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Bhakkar, Sheikhupura and Pakpattan to take strict action against actors, producers and theatre owners involved in obscenity.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2023.