SBFC stops illegal screenings of Pathaan

The Sindh Board of Films Censor (SBFC) has stopped the illegal public screenings of Pathaan, an Indian blockbuster starring Shah Rukh Khan, John Abraham and Deepika Padukone.

The SBF took action immediately after a news report appeared in some local newspapers about the unauthorised screenings of the Indian film at different venues in Karachi, particularly in areas in Defence Housing Authority (DHA). After publication of the news story, the SBFC carried out its own investigation and found some social media accounts selling tickets online for private screenings of the film.

As per the policies of the Sindh Board of Films Censor (SBFC), only those films are allowed for both private and public viewing that are officially certified by the SBFC. “No person shall make or arrange a public or private exhibition of a film by means of cinematograph unless the film has been duly certified for public exhibition by the Board.”

In the light of the aforementioned provision, and citing the relevant laws and punitive measures including a fine of Rs. 100,000 along with a 3-year imprisonment, the board warned and instructed the company responsible for the screenings to immediately cancel its shows. Acting upon the warning, the responsible company Fireworks Events cancelled the screenings of the film Pathaan.