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An online petition requests PM Imran Khan to lift ban on Manto

An online petition requests PM Imran Khan to lift ban on Manto

The petition protests the ban and terms it an attack on freedom of expression
Updated 17 Dec, 2018

An online petition has been initiated to demand Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift ban on screening of film Manto on the life of the legendary Urdu writer.

The open letter in the petition says: “Manto, a critically acclaimed film, directed by Nandita Das, celebrates the life of the Urdu writer who chose Pakistan as his home during the Partition but is collectively owned and revered by the people of the sub-continent.

“The audiences and critics worldwide have appreciated the film. However, it is a matter of huge concern that Pakistan has recently decided to ban the film. The disappointing decision to ban the film has created a hue and cry among writers, poets and intellectuals in the literary circles of Pakistan”.

It protests the ban and terms it an attack on freedom of expression. The letter appeals to the PM to order the authorities to lift the ban.

The petition initiated by journalist Saeed Ahmed has been signed by prominent personalities, including Manto’s daughters Nighat, Nusrat and Nuzhat, rights activists I.A. Rehman and Hussain Naqi, Salima Hashmi, Mirza Hamid Baig and Saleem Asmi.


Originally published in Dawn, December 16th, 2018

Comments

bhaRAT© Dec 17, 2018 12:32am
Is India going to remove ban, on our films, celebrities and sportsmen, first?
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Zx Dec 17, 2018 01:05am
Don't waste PMs time. This has nothing to do with Freedom of Speech! This is just a movie with investments and profit returns to the producers. As far the msg getting to the ppl, don't worry folks who are interested can download. Should reach out to the relevant authorities.
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Imran Dec 17, 2018 01:29am
It is best price of art on manto so far .
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