Authorities in Punjab have taken strict disciplinary action against 10 stage actresses accused of performing inappropriate dance routines to uncensored and banned songs during live theatre shows.
The move follows an e-monitoring review of stage dramas conducted by the Punjab Council of the Arts, which reportedly identified multiple violations of approved content guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
E-Monitoring Reveals Alleged Content Violations
According to officials, the council’s digital monitoring system detected several instances where performers allegedly danced to songs that had not been approved by censors and were deemed unsuitable for public theatre audiences.
As a result, formal notices were issued, directing the actresses to submit written explanations within two days justifying their conduct during the performances.
Show-Cause Notices Issued to 10 Actresses
The following actresses have been served show-cause notices:
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Saima Chaudhry
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Afshan Khan
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Iqra Khan
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Hasna Jutt
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Samar Malik
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Masooma Malik
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Jiya Chaudhry
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Phool Chaudhry
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Sana Malik
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Chahat Chaudhry
All individuals have been instructed to respond in writing within the stipulated timeframe.
Authorities Stress Compliance With Cultural Regulations
The Punjab Council of the Arts stated that the action was taken to enforce cultural regulations and prevent the staging of material considered unethical or outside the approved theatrical framework.
Officials emphasized that no performer or production would be allowed to bypass established SOPs governing stage dramas in the province.
District Administration Asked to Take Further Action
In addition to issuing notices, the council has formally written to the district administration, requesting further action where necessary.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to closely monitoring stage performances and taking strict measures against future violations, aiming to ensure what they described as “responsible, regulated, and culturally appropriate entertainment” across Punjab’s theaters.
Why This Action Matters
The development highlights Punjab’s increasing focus on:
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Regulating stage drama content
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Enforcing censorship and SOP compliance
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Monitoring live performances through digital tools
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Maintaining cultural and ethical standards in public entertainment
Officials have warned that continued violations could lead to stronger penalties, including performance bans or legal action.
