NWFP bans cultural and musical shows on Eid

PESHAWAR: Eid festivities have been marred because the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) government has shut the one and only cultural centre Nishtar Hall in Peshawar, sources said.

Sources said the cultural centre meant for holding dramas, stage shows and other entertainment programmes has been shut down. So there will be no shows and Eid will pass without stage dramas and musical shows in the provincial metropolis.

MMA clerics are of the view that cultural shows are tantamount to promotion of obscenity and vulgarity in society. MMA activists earlier drove through the city and tore down hoardings with images of women. The MMA government bowed to pressure from the hardliners and ordered a ban on cultural activities in Nishtar Hall.

Nishtar Hall sources said earlier the Hall was being run under provincial cultural department supervision. He said it was earning millions of rupees by renting the auditorium for musical and stage shows, especially during Eid days.

Although the government has stopped holding entertainment events at the Nishtar Hall, it should also keep a strict check on the activities of other cultural halls to discourage obscenity in the province, he added. He said people who come for entertainment in Peshawar would now turn to cinema houses and other places.

Similarly, Eid fairs, which were held by various organisations, earned thousands of rupees, would not be held due to the restriction on Nishtar Hall. He said many local producers and organisers have contacted the Hall and the provincial culture department for booking,, but have not been allowed. —NNI

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