LAHORE: In a recent development, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has taken an active interest in the controversy surrounding the Hollywood film ‘Barbie.’
In a directive issued on Tuesday, he urged the Punjab Film Censor Board to conduct a thorough review of the movie and decide whether it can be screened in the province. This decision comes after the movie’s release was halted in Punjab due to alleged “objectionable content.”
The Punjab Film Censor Board had previously issued a no objection certificate for the screening of ‘Barbie,’ allowing its debut in parts of Asia, including Pakistan, on July 21. However, the film’s exhibition in Punjab was met with resistance, leading to a ban imposed by the Naqvi administration, according to local media.
According to Ali Nawaz Malik, the provincial Information Secretary, the initial green light for the movie’s screening was given by the Punjab Film Censor Board itself. Still, subsequent public complaints prompted the government to put a halt to its exhibition. Interestingly, ‘Barbie’ has continued to be screened in other provinces despite its ban in Punjab.
