A clash between the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department and party-organiser Full Circle Corporate Marketing (FCCM) is set to take place over the rave-cum-dance party ‘This is Lahore,’ featuring internationally reknowned DJs ‘Ministry of Sound,’ due to take place on Saturday (today) in Kasur.
Pakistan Today has learnt that, under the garb of a charity event to raise funds to purchase hospital equipment, FCCM is organising what is set to be a 12-hour dance party. Given the fact that FCCM has not attained No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Punjab Excise Department (PETD), the excise and taxation department has vowed to raid the party.
Well-placed PETD sources said the organizers moved the event to Kasur district instead of Lahore to avoid Entertainment Tax, set at 65% of the entry ticket. FCCM is charging Rs 6,500 per couple to enter the party. According to entertainment act 158 Section 10, the organising team is liable to pay the government 65% of the entry ticket charged at the venue. Any event which has an entry ticket is legally bound to pay tax on the event on the set rate.
‘They told me it was a charity event’: Speaking to Pakistan Today, DCO Kasur Ehsan Waheed said the FCCM team had told him they were organising a private get together to raise funds to purchase hospital equipment. “Yes, some boys asked me for an NOC for the event. They told me it was fund raiser. I was not told the real nature of the event,” Ehsan said.
On the contrary, sources said that ‘This is Lahore’ is a mega event featuring international DJ Sander Kleinenberg, invited to play to a 12-hour marathon dance procession in a farmhouse in the suburbs of Kasur. Other than Kleinenberg, local DJs are set to perform at the event. The event has been heavily advertised over the internet, mainly Facebook, and a large number of attendees is expected.
The Facebook page, “Ministry of Sound: This is Lahore!” reads: “FCCM gives to you for the third time in PAKISTAN, Ministry of Sound: This is Lahore! The world’s biggest dance brand, Ministry of Sound, resonates through Lahore now for the third time after the raging success of its previous triumphs in the city kicking off the Ministry of Sound World Tour 2012 FCCM teaches Lahore to party it up during the day; bid farewell to the sun and salute the stars as Global Headliner Sander Kleinenberg sets Lahore alight with his massive beats.” While the party venue has only been disclosed to ticket buyers, PETD sources said the event management has chosen two venues in district Kasur.
All set to kick off: Meanwhile, organisers are all set to kick off the event. Speaking to Pakistan Today, ‘This is Lahore’ project manager Abduallah said the event was not public and they had obtained permission from DCO Kasur. Asked if they were paying entertainment tax, Abdullah said it was confidential information which he could not reveal. “I can confirm the ticket costs Rs 6,500 and the party venue shall only be disclosed to ticket holders”, he said.
As organisers gear up for the party, PETD Regional Director Muhammad Asif vowed to ‘take down’ the party organisers if the party goes ahead. “We are watching them closely. If the party starts, the PETD is determined close it down at any cost”, said Asif. Answering a question, he said organisers have not obtained the required NOC and shall be penalized in this regard. “There are rules of doing everything and those who break the rules will be punished,” he added.
this is just unfair..!!
why does our government look for their own benefit every time. i thought this was a democratic country.. and the party will not effect the general public…!! why cant people have a good time in this country?? why cant we attract more tourists?? why are we living like rats in our own hometown??
65% of the ticket price in tax??? wtf!!
is this true? they canceled the event??
no it wasnt. i was there and it was the best night of my life, i think this article needs to be checked for authenticity.bad journalism i think.
hmm i duno if u call an event with dope and booze supply best thn it must be good… this is disturbing
dope and booze? hahahahaha gots to get out of that pea sized thinking!ps: the days of dope are gone, raving only requires acid, lsd or the popular E also known as ecstasy … For what its worth everyone wasnt enjoying under the influence. I for one dont drink, smoke or do any drugs and had an exam in two days… I had a ball of a time and think Fahad has done a great job, finding a niche Lahore needed this. Did you know that in our parents time discos existed… we have got to stop judging and try to be progressive the same stuff in the open used to and happens otherwise too. raves in no way encourage that. Its music, just that! remember attracting tourists to our country maybe the best thing to happen for foreign investment, THIS is good for the country trust an economist to know!
dope and booze? hahahahaha gots to get out of that pea sized thinking!ps: the days of dope are gone, raving only requires acid, lsd or the popular E also known as ecstasy … For what its worth everyone wasnt enjoying under the influence. I for one dont drink, smoke or do any drugs and had an exam in two days… I had a ball of a time and think Fahad has done a great job, finding a niche Lahore needed this. Did you know that in our parents time discos existed… we have got to stop judging and try to be progressive the same stuff in the open used to and happens otherwise too. raves in no way encourage that. Its music, just that! remember attracting tourists to our country maybe the best thing to happen for foreign investment, THIS is good for the country trust an economist to know!
u want a party ?
love for music and dance brought me there, not drugs and alcohol.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/338843/ministry-of-so…
ye parhiye.
I am from the UK and to hear there is something finally happening in Pakistan for the young generation is good. some people may believe it is outrageous and disgusting, but I believe it is not fair that the majority miss out because some people (the minority) want to drink and do drugs. People will do what they please whether it be in a huge rave or a small private party. Most people assume that people overseas drink and do drugs when they party, but it is not true. Although my friends may do this I have never gone against my beliefs and culture and I believe the majority at such raves will be the same. so people that judge should stop pointing figures. Anyway it was good to hear that Pakistan was in news headlines in the UK for gig and not terrorism for once. Makes my blood boil when we get accused for nonsense. Glad people had a good time.
there was NO alcohol being served, a few people brought their own. Most of the People were there for the music and no other reason. Sander was just ok, our local dj's really outlclassed Mr. Sander. Next time the organisers, should promote our home grown talent, rather than running after MOS, just because its from UK does not guarantee quality, we need to step out of this post Colonial mentality. The Punjab government should be ashamed of itself yet again, for wasting tax payers money on trying to claim 65% of ticket sales, don't they have DENGUE and EDUCATION and POVERTY issues where there time and effort would be better spent ? LOSERS . . .
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