The controversial award-winning film, Joyland, has just been officially cleared for a nationwide release in cinemas on 18 November. The film has the full approval of the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) and will now be screened with a few cuts.
The news was also announced on Twitter by the Head of the Prime Minister’s (PM) Social Reforms Unit, Salman Sufi.
The film #Joyland has been cleared for release by the Censor board review committee formed at the direction of PM @CMShehbaz
Freedom of speech is fundamental right & should be nourished within ambits of the law. #JoylandBan https://t.co/vQodv7fjOk
— Salman Sufi (Get New Covid Booster Today) (@SalmanSufi7) November 16, 2022
The Government of Pakistan barred the nationwide release of Joyland on 11 November before it was due to be screened in cinemas. As per the official notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, written complaints had been received that the movie contains “highly objectional material” that is against the “social values and moral standards of our society”.
The ministry’s notice also mentioned that cinemas operating under the CBFC’s jurisdiction cannot screen Joyland.
Note that the CBFC had granted a certificate for the release of the movie in August.
As a practicing Muslim this is not acceptable.