Lahore (HRNW) Contrary to the decision made by the federal government after an exhaustive review, the Punjab government on Thursday decided to retain its ban on the public display of the award-winning, queer-themed movie, Joyland.
The announcement came merely hours before the movie was due to be screened in the province.
In a notification issued by the Punjab Information and Culture Department on Thursday and available with media, the provincial government decided to retain the ban on the movie.
“The government of Punjab, in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 9 (1&2) Motion Pictures Ordinance, 1979 and rules made thereunder has decided to recall the movie “Joyland” in the wake of complaints received from different headquarters,” the notice read.
It added that till further orders from the Punjab government, the movie will remain censored and kept off screens in Punjab.
Joyland was scheduled to be released in cinemas nationwide on November 18.