Punjab Govt Bans Six Stage Actresses Over Violations
Lahore, November 12, 2025 A formal letter issued by the Government of the Punjab, Information & Culture Department has temporary banned six female stage actresses for alleged violations of performance guidelines and approved theatre SOPs.
The letter, addressed to the Executive Director of the Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR), outlines specific charges against each performer along with their recommended probation periods.
According to the document, the Competent Authority reviewed reports submitted on November 4, 2025, and approved action due to repeated instances of “vulgar and obscene dance” and “violation of approved scripts.” The letter instructs PUCAR to issue prohibition orders accordingly.
List of Banned Stage Actresses and Alleged Violations
The official correspondence lists the following artistes along with the nature of violations and probation durations:
| Name of Female Artist | Violation | Recommended Probation |
|---|---|---|
| Hina Sheikh | Vulgar & obscene dance | 2 months |
| Resham Jaan | Vulgar & obscene dance | 2 months |
| Iram Chaudhary | Violation of approved script, vulgar & obscene dance | 1 month |
| Masooma Malik | Violation of approved script | 1 month |
| Saima Khan | Vulgar & obscene dance | 1 month |
| Rimal Ali Shah | Vulgar & obscene dance | 1 month |
As per the directive, the bans are intended to curb performances deemed objectionable and ensure adherence to cultural guidelines established by the department.
Directive Issued to PUCAR
The Section Officer (Culture) formally requested PUCAR to:
- Issue prohibition orders against the listed artistes
- Notify all stakeholders and concerned departments
- Maintain compliance within commercial theatrical activities across Punjab
Copies of the letter were also forwarded to senior officials within the Information & Culture Department for record and further administrative steps.
Impact on Punjab Theatre Industry
The move is expected to spark debate across the theatre community, highlighting the long-standing discussions surrounding performance standards, censorship, and cultural regulation in commercial stage dramas. With growing scrutiny over stage performances, this latest action reflects the government’s ongoing effort to enforce existing theatre SOPs.
The Punjab Government’s official recommendation marks a significant development in the province’s cultural oversight. As PUCAR prepares to act on the directives, the coming weeks will determine how these bans influence stage performances and artists’ compliance with approved theatrical guidelines.
