Punjab Govt to Approve Dresses of Stage Actresses

Stage actresses in Punjab will now need to have their costumes approved by the provincial government under the new theatre regulations.

According to reports, the content of stage dramas — including the costumes worn by female performers — will fall under government scrutiny.

The new Drama Act mandates that all attire must be approved by a monitoring team set up by the provincial authorities.

The move aims to regulate performances in line with cultural and moral standards. Authorities say that many actresses wear outfits during shows that violate existing guidelines, and the upcoming legislation intends to address that.

Costumes worn by female performers will now be considered part of the compliance process under the act. The new law is expected to be passed by the provincial assembly within this week.

Earlier this month, Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, paid surprise visits to several theaters in Lahore, including Mehfil Theatre, Prince Theatre, and Tamaseel Theatre. During her inspections, she examined dressing rooms, cafeterias, and performance halls to assess their conditions.

Following these visits, show-cause notices were issued to stage performers Sajan Abbas, Neeli, Saima Khan, Nayab Khan, and Sonu Butt for alleged violations of theatre conduct