Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui on Monday warned that cultural events too need no objection certificates (NOCs) and permissions before they can move forward.
He said that complaints were being received that such events were being held without permission, which was equal to challenging the writ of the government.
“Hotel owners should allow such events after the management gets approval, otherwise legal action would be taken against them as well. The educational and cultural aspects of the country should be stressed in the events so that the new generation can benefit from them,” he said while addressing a meeting at his office regarding permission letters under dramatic act 1879 and 1984.
Secretary Department of Information & Archives Zulfiqar Shilwani, Director Information for Film Mansoor Ahmed Sheikh and representatives of Arts Council and NAPA were also present on the occasion.
Shilwani said acquiring NOC from organizations of the government of Pakistan, especially from information department was necessary under dramatic act 1876 and 1984. In which paying government fees for events and approval of material being presented must be taken because it was a duty of the government to give clearance to the material in favour of the people.
“Not taking NOC is not only challenging writ of the government but also depriving the government from income,” he said.
The commissioner directed that the script must be scrutinised before the events are held so that unimportant or objectionable material could be amended.
“Fine art is a very important sector. It not only brings peace to the lives and faces of citizens but also helps bring Pakistan to attention at international level. Nations are considered to be alive by their literature, culture and fine art,” he said.
He said that on one hand the country was fighting against terrorism, and on the other hand lack of such events was fading the brightness of the city.
