Punjab Information Secretary Ali Nawaz Malik has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the screening of the ‘Barbie’ movie in Punjab, Pakistan. In a statement on Friday, he clarified that the movie has not been banned, but its current screening is on hold until it receives approval from the censor board.
The controversial tweet
The box-office debut of ‘Barbie’ took place in various Asian regions, including Pakistan, on July 21. However, the film’s release in Punjab was met with widespread attention on social media after a claim emerged stating that it had been banned due to its purported pro-LGBTQ content.
Lahore:— Movie #Barbie has been banned in Pakistan's Punjab region for showing pro-LGBTQ content.
— Punjab censor board has withheld NOC for movie unless 'objectionable' content is removed from movie.
— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) July 21, 2023
According to the viral announcement, the Punjab censor board withheld a No Objection Certificate (NOC) until any perceived objectionable content is removed. The clarification from the Punjab Information Secretary aims to dispel any misinformation and emphasizes that the movie’s screening can resume once it secures the necessary approval from the censor board.
Also read: AI Artist Reimagines Pakistani Actresses As “Barbie” Dolls & The Internet Loves It
As the situation unfolds, moviegoers and fans of the iconic doll eagerly await further updates on the ‘Barbie’ movie’s status in Punjab.
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