LAHORE: A notification issued by the Punjab Council of the Arts has gone viral on social media, prompting widespread but incorrect claims that the provincial government had banned 132 songs for Basant, the traditional spring festival returning after an 18-year hiatus. In reality, the notification restricts the use of the listed songs only in theatres and stage performances.
The list includes tracks such as Aa Galay Lag Ja, Raat da Andhaira Way, Mennu Lagda Darr Way and Gaddi La Day Prado. Misinterpretation of the document led many users online to link the ban directly to Basant festivities.
On Monday, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari addressed the confusion by sharing the viral claim on X and questioning where Basant was mentioned in the notification. She clarified that the restriction applied solely to theatres and described the songs as damaging to the reputation of music, questioning whether they could even be considered proper songs or poetry.
Her spokesperson, Yaseen Bhatti, confirmed that the notification had no connection to Basant and applied only to stage plays and theatre performances. He said the songs were barred due to their lyrics, which were deemed unethical and filled with double meanings.
The January 23 notification stated that the decision was taken in line with standard operating procedures for theatrical performances issued by the Information and Culture Department last August. It emphasised that the ban was limited in scope and aimed at regulating stage content.
Appearing on a television show, the minister alleged that someone from the theatre community had leaked the notification, fuelling misinformation. She stressed that the government was not opposed to dance or music but would not allow inappropriate content under the guise of theatre. She added that people were free to listen to whatever they wished in their private lives.
Bokhari also lamented the state of theatre in Pakistan, saying it had drifted toward vulgarity, whereas in other countries it served as a platform for social awareness and engagement.
As Lahore prepares to host Basant from February 6 to 8, the provincial government has separately imposed restrictions related to kite flying, including a ban on kites bearing political party flags. Strict safety measures are also in place, with nylon and metallic strings prohibited and violators facing heavy fines and possible prison terms.
