“Maalik” ban stirs debate on freedom of expression

“Maalik” ban stirs debate on freedom of expression

KARACHI: A sudden ban on Urdu feature film “Maalik” by the federal government, three weeks after its nationwide release, has stirred a new debate on freedom of expression on social media.

“Maalik”, the film produced, penned and directed by “Dhuwan” famed Asher Azeem Gill, has been declared as “uncertified” in the whole of Pakistan with immediate effect, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage yesterday.

“Maalik” banned across country

No reason has been specified for the unusual decision, but the film has been accused by some quarters of promoting ethnic racism and showing politicians in bad light.

Banned movie 'Maalik' will be played in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Cinemas; but issue is that KP has got NO High Standard Multiplexes!#Peshawar

— Sajeer ALAM (@SajeerAlam) April 28, 2016

Mai is mulk ka shairi, is mulk ka Mälik hoon. Shame on all those who couldn't take criticism & are the reason to #BanMaalik @ashirazeemgill

— sami khan (@samikhan421) April 28, 2016

The problem is with the feudal who cannot accept ke "Main Pakistan ka Shehri Pakistan ka Maalik hun".

— Asher Azeem Gill (@ashirazeemgill) April 28, 2016

Those who always champion PEMRA when it shuts down TV channels are now crying freedom of expression over Maalik pic.twitter.com/nveW3RxZ2j

— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) April 27, 2016