List of films banned in Pakistan explained

Pakistan started banning films in 1962, with restrictions tightened in 1979 when Muhammad Zia ul-Haq implemented an Islamization agenda and an even stricter censorship code.[1] A ban on Indian films and media (which had been in place since 1965 but was not always strictly enforced) was lifted in 2008, with the compromise that cinemas in Pakistan must equally share screening time between Indian and Pakistani films, but was later enforced again in late 2016.[2] [3]

2010

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2010align=center Lahorealign=center align=center BollywoodBanned as the censor board objected to some dialogues and scenes in the film.[5]
align=center 2010align=center Tere Bin Ladenalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned for fear that the title could be misconstrued by Islamist extremists as a reason to attack.[6] [7]

2011

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2011align=center Slackistanalign=center align=center IndependentDirector refused to make cuts requested by the Central Board of Film Censors.
align=center 2011align=center The Dirty Picturealign=center align=center BollywoodBanned by authorities.[8] However, it was later cleared for release only a week after the Indian premiere.[9]
align=center 2011align=center Delhi Bellyalign=center align=center BollywoodNot allowed to be screened by the censor board.[10]

2012

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2012align=center Ek Tha Tigeralign=center align=center BollywoodIt was not released in Pakistan, due to concerns over the portrayal of Pakistan in the film.[11] [12]
align=center 2012align=center Khiladi 786align=center align=center BollywoodRenamed as Khiladi for release[13] but promos and ads of the film were banned in Pakistan.[14]
align=center 2012align=center Agent Vinodalign=center align=center BollywoodFor controversial references to the Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency.[15]

2013

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
2013Bhaag Milkha Bhaag BollywoodBanned because it depicts Pakistan Sports Authorities using unfair means. It depicts the country in a wrong way.[16]
2013Raanjhanaa BollywoodBanned because the film portrays an image of a Muslim girl (played by Sonam Kapoor) falling in love with a Hindu boy and having an affair with him.[17]
2013HollywoodBanned due to the film's depiction of Pakistan as an unstable state and the fictional portrayal of a "foreign invasion of Pakistan’s nuclear installations".[18]

2014

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2014align=center Children of Waralign=center align=center BollywoodBanned for its portrayal of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War contrary to Pakistan's view.[19]
align=center 2014align=center Haideralign=center align=center BollywoodBanned as it depicts the Kashmir insurgency, a sensitive issue in the country.[20]
align=center 2014align=center Noahalign=center align=center HollywoodBanned due to the portrayal of Noah by an actor.[21]

2015

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2015align=center Calendar Girlsalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned by Pakistan due to objections to one of the dialogues in the film.[22] [23]
align=center 2015align=center Phantomalign=center align=center BollywoodDemanded to be banned by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawa .[24] Phantom is about 26/11 attacks based on the book Mumbai Avengers by Hussain Zaidi.[25] The Lahore High Court banned the movie on 20 August 2015[26] as the federal government wanted the petition by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed to be dismissed due to its uselessness and the government doesn't want to be involved unnecessarily because no one in Pakistan asked for NOC to screen the film.[27] [28] LHC judge Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan asked the government what it could do to stop the movie CDs from being sold in the market after the ban.[29]
align=center 2015align=center Babyalign=center align=center BollywoodA Bollywood film based on Terrorism was banned in Pakistan.[30]
align=center 2015align=center Bangistanalign=center align=center BollywoodA film about two suicide bombers banned by Pakistan's Central Board of Film Censors.[31]

2016

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2016align=center Dishoomalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned because the movie talks about an Indian cricketer getting kidnapped before an India and Pakistan match and that caused the country to think it is against Pakistan.[32]
align=center 2016align=center Udta Punjabalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned due to use of abusive language.[33]
align=center 2016align=center Shivaayalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned because of India-Pakistan border conflict.[34]
align=center 2016align=center Ae Dil Hai Mushkilalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned because of India-Pakistan border conflict.[35] [36]
align=center 2016align=center Neerjaalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned for allegedly showing the country in a bad light, a fact denied by Sonam Kapoor, who portrays slain flight attendant Neerja Bhanot in the film.[37]
align=center 2016align=center Ambarsariyaalign=center align=center PollywoodBanned due to direct references to Indian intelligence agency RAW inside the movie.[38]

2017

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2017align=center Viceroy's Housealign=center align=center BritishBanned for allegedly misrepresenting Mohammad Ali Jinnah (Founder Of Pakistan).
align=center 2017align=center Tubelightalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned to prevent hampering the release of local films[39]
align=center 2017align=center Tiger Zinda Haialign=center align=center BollywoodThe film was not given a No Objection Certificate by the Central Board of Film Censors in Pakistan, stating the reason as "The image of Pakistan and its law enforcement agencies" has been compromised.[40] [41]
align=center 2017align=center Dangalalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned when actor-producer Aamir Khan refused the Pakistan Censor Board's demand to remove scenes with the Indian National Flag and Indian National Anthem.[42]
align=center 2017align=center Naam Shabanaalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned because it portrays Pakistan in "bad taste".[43]
align=center 2017align=center Jolly LLB 2align=center align=center BollywoodBanned because the film makes references to the Kashmir issue.[44]
align=center 2017align=center Raeesalign=center align=center BollywoodBanned due to its "objectionable" content, as "the content undermines Islam, and a specific religious sect, (It also) portrays some Muslims as criminals, wanted persons, and terrorists".[45]

2018

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2018align=center Pad Manalign=center align=center BollywoodThe Central Board of Film Censors, Pakistan, refused to give a No Objection Certificate to the film and said, "we cannot allow a film whose name, subject, and story are not acceptable yet in our society." They disallowed the Pakistani film distributors IMGC and HKC to purchase the film rights and stated that they were "ruining Islamic traditions, history, and culture."[46] [47] [48]
align=center 2018align=center Parialign=center align=center BollywoodPromotes black magic.
align=center 2018align=center Raazialign=center align=center Bollywoodalign=left Showed an intelligence agent who spied on Pakistan for India.
align=center 2018align=center Goldalign=center align=center BollywoodFor fears regarding the depiction of the 1947 partition.[49]
align=center 2018align=center Veere Di Weddingalign=center align=center Bollywoodalign=left For depicting obscenity and vulgar dialogues by female characters.
2018MulkBollywoodThe movie shows an Indian Muslim family accused of treason and ties with the Pakistanis.[50]
2018AiyaaryBollywoodBanned for portraying Pakistan in a negative light.[51]
2018Race 3BollywoodBan imposed so that four big banner Pakistani films and other smaller regional language releases on Eid do good business without competition from Bollywood movies.[52]
2018BollywoodBanned for references to Pakistan's nuclear tests and establishments.

2019-present

Since February 2019, Pakistan has banned the screening of all Indian films amid border tensions between the countries.[53]

DateMovie NameCountryFilm IndustryThe Reason Banned
align=center 2022align=center I'll Meet You Therealign=center align=center HollywoodFor "negatively depicting" Muslim and Pakistani culture.[54]
align=center 2022align=center The Lady of Heavenalign=center align=center BritishFor negatively depicting important Muslim figures and portraying historical inaccuracies.[55] [56]

Notes and References

  1. News: Pakistan restricts screening of films from India. LA Times. 2019-11-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20181001110643/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/nov/20/entertainment/la-et-mn-pakistan-india-film-20131120. 2018-10-01. dead.
  2. Web site: Pakistani High Court Bans Screening of Indian Films, TV Shows. Nyay Bhushan. The Hollywood Reporter. 11 December 2013 . 16 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150327042759/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pakistani-high-court-bans-screening-664937. 27 March 2015. live.
  3. News: Pakistan petition seeking ban on Bollywood films withdrawn. Dnaindia.com. 16 February 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150216233044/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-pakistan-petition-seeking-ban-on-bollywood-films-withdrawn-1936496. 16 February 2015. live.
  4. News: Pakistan bans Da Vinci Code film. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20151126122414/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5045672.stm. 2015-11-26. live.
  5. News: Bollywood's 'Lahore' banned in Pakistan. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20151126122554/http://www.masala.com/bollywoods-lahore-banned-in-pakistan-19943.html. 2015-11-26. live.
  6. News: 'Tere Bin Laden,' Indian Film With Osama Lookalike, Banned In Pakistan. The Huffington Post. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131445/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/15/tere-bin-laden-indian-fil_n_648137.html?ir=India&adsSiteOverride=in. 2015-09-24. live.
  7. News: Pakistan bans India Osama Bin Laden comedy. BBC. 2018-06-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20181112121435/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-10650183. 2018-11-12. live.
  8. News: THE DIRTY BALAN STARRER "THE DIRTY PICTURE" BANNED BY PAKISTAN!. playtv.com.pk. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924074311/http://www.playtv.com.pk/news/life-a-style/the-dirty-balan-starrer-qthe-dirty-pictureq-got-misty-in-pakistan.html. 2015-09-24. live.
  9. Web site: The Dirty Picture cleared for release in Pakistan – NDTV Movies. NDTVMovies.com. 2015-12-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20151208053843/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/the-dirty-picture-cleared-for-release-in-pakistan-602756. 2015-12-08. live.
  10. Web site: 'Delhi Belly' denied public exhibition license in Pakistan . The Express Tribune . 30 June 2011 . 12 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150611053233/http://tribune.com.pk/story/199129/delhi-belly-denied-public-exhibition-license-in-pakistan/ . 11 June 2015 . live .
  11. Web site: No release for 'Ek Tha Tiger' in Pakistan . . 17 August 2012 . 17 August 2012 . Zee News Bureau.
  12. Web site: Ek Tha Tiger. ban at the tribune.com.pk. 17 August 2012 . 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20151126111426/http://tribune.com.pk/story/423423/no-tiger-for-pakistan-this-eid/. 2015-11-26. live.
  13. News: Khiladi 786 renamed Khiladi for release in Pakistan. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20151126163623/http://magazine.thenews.com.pk/mag/detail_article.asp?magId=11&id=4098. 2015-11-26. dead.
  14. News: Akshay Kumar's Khiladi 786 promos banned by Pakistan Censor Board.
  15. News: Agent Vinod banned from Pakistani cinemas. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135830/http://www.dawn.com/news/705559/agent-vinod-banned-from-pakistani-cinemas. 2015-09-24. live.
  16. News: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag banned in Pakistan. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305154450/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/bhaag-milkha-bhaag-banned-in-pakistan/1131073/. 2016-03-05. live.
  17. Web site: Pakistan Film Censor Board has banned "Raanjhanaa". The Times of India. 4 July 2013. 4 July 2013.
  18. News: 'GI JOE 2: Retaliation' banned in Pakistan for portraying country in negative light. Kaifee. Sib. 2013-04-01. Fox News. 2018-06-11. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141100/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/04/01/gi-joe-2-retaliation-banned-in-pakistan-for-portraying-country-in-negative.html. 2018-06-12. live.
  19. Web site: 'The Children of War is a film on East Pakistan's struggle for freedom. 22 December 2013 . IBT.
  20. News: India's Haider might not see the light of day in Pakistan. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20150907215534/http://www.dawn.com/news/1135317. 2015-09-07. live.
  21. News: 4. Noah. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021106/http://arynews.tv/en/movies-banned-pakistan/. 2015-09-24. live.
  22. Web site: banned . Bollywood ‘Calendar Girls’ . Bollywood 'Calendar Girls' banned in Pakistan . The News Tribe . 24 September 2015 . 18 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151029082026/http://www.thenewstribe.com/2015/09/24/bollywood-calendar-girls-bans-in-pakistan/ . 29 October 2015 . live .
  23. Web site: Dedhia . Sonil . Pakistan's Ministry of Culture refuses No Objection Certificate to Calendar Girls . The Times of India . 24 September 2015 . 18 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150926052043/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Pakistans-Ministry-of-Culture-refuses-No-Objection-Certificate-to-Calendar-Girls/articleshow/49074464.cms . 26 September 2015 . live .
  24. Web site: Controversial: Government issued notice over screening of 'anti-Pakistan' film . The Express Tribune . 11 August 2015 . 11 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150811035733/http://tribune.com.pk/story/935810/controversial-government-issued-notice-over-screening-of-anti-pakistan-film/ . 11 August 2015 . live .
  25. Web site: IANS . No surprise if 'Phantom' gets banned in Pakistan: Saif Ali Khan . english . 11 August 2015 . 11 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150812191911/http://www.abplive.in/movies/2015/08/11/article681376.ece/No-surprise-if-Phantom-gets-banned-in-Pakistan-Saif-Ali-Khan . 12 August 2015 . live .
  26. Web site: 'Anti-Pakistan movie': LHC bans screening of Indian film Phantom . The Express Tribune . 20 August 2015 . 20 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150820234757/http://tribune.com.pk/story/941859/anti-pakistan-movie-lhc-bans-screening-of-indian-film-phantom/ . 20 August 2015 . live .
  27. Web site: Accepting Hafiz Saeed's plea, LHC bans Phantom in Pakistan . Daily Pakistan Global . 20 August 2015 . 20 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150827042506/http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/lifestyle/accepting-hafiz-saeeds-plea-lhc-bans-phantom-in-pakistan/ . 27 August 2015 . live .
  28. News: LHC stops screening of Saif's 'Phantom' in Pakistan on Saeed's plea. STAFF REPORT. 20 August 2015. 29 August 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122602/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/08/20/entertainment/lhc-stops-screening-of-saifs-phantom-in-pakistan-on-saeeds-plea/. 24 September 2015. live.
  29. Web site: Phantom banned in Pakistan: Hafiz Saeed wins yet again : Bollywood, News . India Today . 20 August 2015 . 20 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150821002615/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/hafiz-saeed-wins-again-phantom-banned-in-pakistan/1/459979.html . 21 August 2015 . live .
  30. News: Bollywood 'shocked' over Pakistan's ban on 'Baby'. 2015-08-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20150804011954/http://tribune.com.pk/story/826935/bollywood-shocked-over-pakistans-ban-on-baby/. 2015-08-04. live.
  31. Web site: Mahmood . Rafay . Bangistan gets a 'complete ban' by central censor board . The Express Tribune . 6 August 2015 . 11 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150810011937/http://tribune.com.pk/story/933432/bangistan-gets-a-complete-ban-by-central-censor-board/ . 10 August 2015 . live .
  32. Web site: Dishoom banned in Pakistan, Varun Dhawan upset with the decision. The Indian Express. 30 July 2016. 30 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160730054434/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dishoom-banned-in-pakistan-varun-dhawan-upset-john-abraham-2943728/. 30 July 2016. live.
  33. News: Udta Punjab banned in Pakistan. The Nation (Pakistan). 20 June 2016. 27 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170709013620/http://nation.com.pk/entertainment/20-Jun-2016/bollywood-movie-udta-punjab-banned-in-pakistan. 9 July 2017. live.
  34. News: Udta Punjab banned in Pakistan. The Nation (Pakistan). 20 June 2016. 27 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170709013620/http://nation.com.pk/entertainment/20-Jun-2016/bollywood-movie-udta-punjab-banned-in-pakistan. 9 July 2017. live.
  35. Web site: Maalik. Banned at the Dunya News. 14 February 2008 . 24 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160606100930/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/334773-Maalik-banned-because-influential-people-are-afr. 6 June 2016. live.
  36. News: Maalik. BBC News . 28 April 2016 . 24 July 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160915032043/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36157115. 15 September 2016. live.
  37. Web site: Desk . Entertainment . Sonam Kapoor simply can't get over 'Neerja' ban in Pakistan . The Express Tribune . 25 February 2016 . 19 April 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160427002200/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1054388/sonam-simply-cant-get-over-neerja-ban-in-pakistan/ . 27 April 2016 . live .
  38. Web site: Indian Punjabi film banned in Pakistan . The Express Tribune . 31 March 2016 . 19 April 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160416120259/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1076632/indian-punjabi-film-banned-in-pakistan/ . 16 April 2016 . live .
  39. Web site: Makers of Salman Khan's Tubelight release an official statement on its Pakistan ban. 2021-09-28. filmfare.com. en.
  40. News: Salman Khan's Tiger Zinda Hai not cleared for Pakistan screening by CBFC. 13 December 2017. 13 December 2017. DAWN Images.
  41. News: Has Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif's 'Tiger Zinda Hai' been banned in Pakistan?. 13 December 2017. 13 December 2017. The Express Tribune.
  42. Web site: Dangal: Pakistan wants Indian flag, National Anthem cut, Aamir Khan says no.. 7 April 2017 . 2017-04-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20170412063400/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/aamir-khan-says-no-to-releasing-dangal-in-pakistan-without-national-anthem-4602655/. 2017-04-12. live.
  43. Web site: Taapsee Pannu starrer 'Naam Shabana' banned across Pakistan.. https://web.archive.org/web/20170402111414/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1372212/taapsee-pannu-starrer-naam-shabana-banned-across-pakistan/?amp=1. dead. April 2, 2017. 2017-04-04.
  44. Web site: Akshay Kumar-starrer Jolly LLB 2 banned in Pakistan.. 12 February 2017 . 2017-02-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20170212130820/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/akshay-kumar-starrer-jolly-llb-2-banned-in-pakistan-is-this-the-real-reason-4520900/. 2017-02-12. live.
  45. Web site: Pakistan Bans Shah Rukh-starrer Raees for 'Undermining Islam'. News18.com. 7 February 2017. 6 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170207010016/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/pakistan-bans-shah-rukh-starrer-raees-for-undermining-islam-1345851.html. 7 February 2017. live.
  46. News: Akshay Kumar's Padman won't release in Pakistan . 9 February 2018 . Samaa TV. 11 February 2018.
  47. News: Shocking: 'PadMan' banned in Pakistan . 10 February 2018 . . Lodhi . Adnan. 11 February 2018.
  48. News: Pakistani Women Are Sending Pads to the Censor Board . 13 February 2018 . Mangobaaz. 14 February 2018.
  49. Web site: Varma. Lipika. 2018-08-16. Akshay Kumar requests for Gold's release. 2021-09-28. Deccan Chronicle. en.
  50. Web site: Ban on Mulk in Pakistan ironic: Indian movies that dispel anti-Muslim stereotypes don't bode well with film censors across border . 6 August 2018 .
  51. Web site: Pakistan does it again . . 16 February 2018 .
  52. Web site: Race 3 makes opening day box-office record in Pakistan post ban, beating Avengers: Infinity War . 25 June 2018 .
  53. Web site: February 28, 2019. Samrudhi. Ghosh. Pakistan bans Indian films. But can they survive without 70 per cent revenue from Bollywood?. 2021-03-08. India Today. en.
  54. News: Ramachandran . Naman . Pakistan Bans SXSW Title 'I'll Meet You There' for 'Negative Image of Muslims,' Director Speaks Out (EXCLUSIVE) . 7 July 2022 . Variety . 9 March 2022.
  55. News: Khan. Shuiab. 4 June 2022. Silent protest held against 'provocative' film. Lancashire Telegraph.
  56. News: Kasule . Melissa . Morocco joins territories to ban 'The Lady Of Heaven' . 7 July 2022 . Screen Daily . 14 June 2022 . en.

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