LAHORE: Punjab government has decided to amend laws to ban dancing on stage as part of efforts to stop obscenity and vulgarity in theatres.
In this regard, the provincial government has decided to amend the century-old Dramatic Performance Act, 1876, which empowers authorities to control theatres.
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Aamir Mir has formed a seven-member committee under the chairmanship of the Executive Director Punjab Council of Arts. The committee will propose amendments within seven days after revising the 150-year-old law.
Amir Mir said the approval of the proposed amendments will be taken in the next meeting of the Punjab cabinet. He said a complete ban on dances in stage plays is being proposed.
The minister said amendments to laws including the Dramatic Performance Act, are aimed at saving theatre. He said obscenity in stage plays is leading society towards moral destruction.
He said Section 15 of the Punjab Council of Arts Act, 1975, empowers the Council to frame such rules and regulations to ensure effective implementation of all the provisions of the Act.
He said the government’s intervention was inevitable to save the young generation from destruction and to revive the real theatre.
He added that strict measures will be enforced in stage plays and theatres to protect culture and performing arts. He said genuine artistes support government decision to ban obscenity in theatres.
He said from now on, theatres will be able to run only within the circle of civilization and ethics. He said the government is committed in this matter and will not be blackmailed.
