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Anwar Maqsood’s House Arrest returns to Islamabad after its NOC is reissued

Anwar Maqsood’s House Arrest returns to Islamabad after its NOC is reissued

The satirical play is resuming its run following a public appeal by Maqsood and a swift reinstatement of its previously revoked NOC.
06 May, 2025

Renowned writer, satirist, and television host Anwar Maqsood, and director Dawar Mehmood are bringing their play House Arrest back to Islamabad after its No Objection Certificate (NOC) was unexpectedly revoked midway through its scheduled run.

The production was originally slated to be performed in the capital from April 24 to May 9. However, midway through its second week, KopyKat Productions announced via Instagram that the NOC had been rescinded, forcing the cancellation of the May 2 and May 4 shows.

Following the announcement, Maqsood took to the KopyKat Productions Instagram with a heartfelt appeal addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging the authorities to reinstate the NOC. Hours later, KopyKat confirmed that the NOC had been reissued and the remaining shows would go on.

“Islamabad, we’re back! House Arrest is officially returning. Our NOC is reinstated and the shows are back on. New dates are live, so grab your tickets on BookMe,” read the statement on KopyKat’s Instagram. The play will now be staged from May 6 to May 9.

In his video appeal, Maqsood introduced himself simply: “My name is Anwar Maqsood and I’ve been writing for you for the past 66 years. You’ve also honoured me with awards for my work.” He then explained the situation without delving into the reasons for the NOC’s revocation.

“One of my plays, House Arrest, was being staged in Islamabad. We had approval, performed two shows, and had 11 more scheduled. Suddenly, the NOC was revoked, and we had to stop.”

He highlighted that the production features seven to eight new actors, for whom this marks a debut on the stage. “They trained for a month. All my plays introduce fresh talent — I don’t cast big-name actors. A great deal of effort and money has gone into this. We’re running at a loss. We’re not wealthy people,” he said.

Maqsood closed his message with a humble request: “Please reissue the NOC. Bless you. Pakistan Zindabad!”

Comments

ALEEMULLAH May 06, 2025 12:15pm
"Please don’t write any more for this nation, sir. This nation doesn’t deserve your outspoken show, which reflects reality so closely. You are an asset to Pakistan, but ironically, we do not show you the respect you deserve."we don't care of you
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad May 06, 2025 12:25pm
Jokes, jokes and more jokes.
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Javid Aly-khan May 06, 2025 01:32pm
It is a great shame for the whole country, when a national treasure which Anwar Maqsood rightly is and who is a true patriot and given so much to his country for more than half a century, has to humbly beg for his just rights.
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Maqbool May 06, 2025 01:54pm
Well done, why was the permission withdrawn ? And we the public want to know on who’s vim that this done. Can we have some accountability ?
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Ali Mohsin May 06, 2025 02:41pm
A loyalist old man urging government what should have been done in the first place itself.
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Baqar Rizvi May 06, 2025 03:29pm
After Zai Mohiuddin we are left with only Anwar Maqsood who can read and write urdu recitals. Pay some respect #stateaffair
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Love Pakistan May 06, 2025 04:40pm
Remember…? might is right, never messed with it.
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M. Saeed May 06, 2025 05:15pm
Governance of a country 9is now following the Trumpism by leaps and bounds, unabridged! But, such writings and plays only add some tasty massala to the burning wounds, lasting only for the duration of the play for some consolation. The real actors in life hardly affected or ashamed!
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Abdullah waqas May 06, 2025 06:21pm
Sir Anwer maqsood is a gem.......respect our heroes.........
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Naeem Ahmad May 06, 2025 08:46pm
We have passes of cancelled show. Can we use these in upcoming shows?
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Ron May 07, 2025 03:55am
this is very rude and cruel joke with talents like Anwer sahib
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