Top Movies and Dramas Banned in Pakistan: Reasons and Controversies
Most Banned Movies & Dramas in Pakistan
The entertainment sector of Pakistan has endured stern censorship for years, as authorities have banned dramas and movies challenging social norms, political narratives, or religious emotions. Censors such as PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) and the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) have consistently prohibited material labeled as "immoral," "anti-state," or "against Islamic values." The present report investigates central banned productions, their topics, and the motivating factors behind banning them.
Prohibited Pakistani Dramas
Hadsa (2023)
Hadsa emerged as PEMRA's most disputed ban over the past few years. The drama was reported to dramatize the 2020 rape case of a woman on Lahore-Sialkot Motorway, comparing the trauma of the survivor. Social backlash was ignited after activists contended that the series used the victim's suffering for entertainment. It was prohibited by PEMRA under Section 27 of the ordinance, accusing threats to Pakistan global image and re-traumatization of the survivor16.
Dil Na Umeed To Nahin (2021)
This socially responsible drama addressed child trafficking and sexual exploitation in an intertwined narrative. In spite of its purpose to create awareness, PEMRA prohibited it for "graphic content" and hinted at criticism against law enforcement agencies. Police corruption and system failure scenes were considered too severe for television audiences.
Ishqiya (2020)
Starring Feroze Khan and Hania Aamir, Ishqiya was criticized for depicting toxic relationships and affairs as normal. PEMRA took issue with its depiction of blackmail and betrayal, saying it encouraged immorally ideal behavior. Religious groups took special issue with the drama for violating Islamic law on marriage and family values13.
Pyar Ke Sadqay (2020)
It was a drama that probed disability and sexual harassment in the family setting. PEMRA prohibited it after protests over how it portrayed a father-in-law sexually harassing his daughter-in-law. The authorities were afraid the show might "normalize" abuse or make the audience less sensitive to domestic violence1.
Mere Paas Tum Ho (2020)
Though well-rated, this drama series about infidelity was banned temporarily for "distorting social fabric." PEMRA was complained against for depicting extra-marital relationships as glamorous and critics stating it eroded the values of traditional marriage. The ban fueled controversy over freedom of creativity vs. moral policing.
Banned Pakistani Films
Joyland (2022)
Pakistan’s Oscar entry Joyland faced a nationwide ban days before its release. The film’s portrayal of a transgender dancer’s romance with a married man triggered backlash from religious groups. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami praised the ban claiming the movie violated Islamic principles. Despite winning accolades at Cannes it remains blocked domestically for "objectionable material".
Zindagi Tamasha (2020)
Sarmad Khoosat's movie on a religious singer charged with blasphemy was banned for "possible public unrest." Officials were concerned that its criticism of vigilante justice and hypocrisy in society could lead to violence. Provincial governments, even after federal censor board approval, stopped screenings, citing security reasons47.
Verna (2017)
Shoaib Mansoor's rape-revenge thriller was initially banned for its "unacceptable" concentration on sexual violence. The CBFC argued that the plot had the potential to "promote vulgarity" but pressure from the public resulted in a limited release. The scandal raised questions about conflicts between feminist storytelling and right-wing censorship.
Maalik (2016)
This political thriller criticizing corruption was banned by the Sindh Board of Film Censors. Officials alleged it "maligned state institutions" though the Lahore High Court later overturned the ban. The film’s depiction of collusion between politicians and terrorists struck a nerve with authorities.
Slackistan (2010)
Pakistan's first indie movie on disillusioned youth was banned for "anti-state" material. The CBFC protested at mentions of the Taliban, lesbian relationships, and English swear words. Its description of political indifference among elites was considered too subversive7.
Historically Banned Works
Jago Hua Savera (1959)
This Bengali-language movie about East Pakistani fishermen was banned as "socialist propaganda." The Ayub Khan regime was afraid that its portrayal of class struggle would stir up separatist feelings. It appeared again at Cannes in 2016, 57 years after it was made.
Kartar Singh (1959)
A Punjabi film from the Partition era first banned for humanizing a Sikh hero. Officials yielded to popular pressure and it was a box-office success. The u-turn reflected early controversies over cultural representation versus historical authenticity.
Insan Aur Gadha (1973)
This satirical film ridiculing Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's style of governance was temporarily banned. A scene spoofing Bhutto's speeches resulted in its withdrawal from theaters although later restored after editing.
Banned International Films in Pakistan
Bollywood Movies Banned in Pakistan
1. Dangal (2016)
Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal became one of the top-grossing films in India. But it was banned in Pakistan over scenes depicting the Indian national flag and anthem. The Pakistani censor board insisted that they be taken out, but Aamir Khan did not oblige. The movie's depiction of national pride conflicted with Pakistan's tough censorship regulations, and so it was excluded from cinemas.
2. Raees (2017)
Shah Rukh Khan Raees was banned following claims by Pakistani authorities that it undermined Islam and represented Muslims as criminals. The casting of Pakistani actress Mahira Khan also caused controversy at a time of increased India-Pakistan tensions. The CBFC contended the film promoted negative Muslim stereotypes, leading to its ban.
3. Haider (2014)
Based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, Haider treated the Kashmir struggle of the 1990s. Its political unrest and insurgency portrayal resulted in a ban in Pakistan. Governments were concerned the film's plot would incite regional tensions, particularly with its negative perception of military actions in Kashmir.
4. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
This romantic drama was criticized because of its casting of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. It was released shortly after the Uri attacks in 2016, and the film became a victim of tense India-Pakistan relations. Pakistani theaters boycotted Indian movies, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was banned to express protest against India's diplomatic response.
5. Raazi (2018)
Alia Bhatt's Raazi presented a tale of an Indian spy who married into a Pakistani army family. The Pakistani censors outlawed the movie for its "anti-Pakistan" storyline which was alleged to glamorize spying and misrepresent institutions of the nation. Cross-border clashes were seen to be represented in a provocative manner.
6. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
This partition-period drama was prohibited for its showing of religious violence and anti-Pakistan rhetoric. Sunny Deol's character, a Sikh who struggles to get back to his Muslim wife, was attacked for advocating Hindu nationalism. The film's gritty representation of historical tensions rendered it objectionable57.
Pakistani Dramas Prohibited by PEMRA
1. Hadsa (2023)
Hadsa outraged over its reported exploitation of a 2020 real-life motorway rape. PEMRA stopped the drama on public protests, charging that it sensationalized trauma for entertainment. The victim's legal representatives and activists labeled the plot insensitive, prompting removal from airwaves24.
2. Jalan (2020)
This play revolved around a woman's infatuation with her sister's husband, resulting in a complicated love triangle. PEMRA prohibited it for encouraging "immoral" relationships and breaking social norms. Critics claimed it made betrayal and toxic behavior acceptable within families.
4. Juda Huay Kuch Is Tarha (2022)
A love story between foster siblings resulted in a comparison to Game of Thrones. PEMRA banned the show for promoting incest, with Twitter users labeling it a cultural values' violation. The author came under fire for "normalizing indecency"24.
5. Churails (2020)
This women's web show portrayed women operating a clandestine detective agency. PEMRA banned it for "bold" topics such as infidelity and gender disparity. Even with global acclaim, officials said it was too confrontational in challenging conventional gender roles
Hollywood Movies
Noah (2014): Banned for depicting Prophet Noah, which contravened Islamic bans on showing prophets.
The Da Vinci Code (2006): Banned following Christian outrage over "blasphemous" content.
Motivations for Bans
1. Religious Sensitivities
Content violating Islamic principles—such as Joyland's trans romance or Noah's prophet portrayal—is subject to instant censorship. PEMRA tends to invoke Section 27 of its ordinance, which prohibits content "against Islamic values."
2. Political Censorship
Movies criticizing the government (Maalik) or historical accounts (Haider) are termed "anti-state." The authorities tend to confuse artistic criticism with treason, particularly against the military or intelligence services.
3. Moral Policing
Taboo-themed dramas—child abuse (Dil Na Umeed), infidelity (Mere Paas Tum Ho)—are considered "immoral." Regulators rank "family values" above intricate storytelling, fretting about societal corruption.
4. Geopolitics
Bollywood bans are fueled by India-Pakistan tensions. Movies featuring Pakistani actors (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil) or RAW-ISI storylines (Ek Tha Tiger) are censored amid diplomatic tensions.
Impact of Censorship
1. Creative Stifling
Directors such as Sarmad Khoosat (Zindagi Tamasha) suffer professionally because of indiscriminate bans. Artists self-censor to escape censure, producing formulaic, risk-free content.
2. Economic Losses
Blacklisted films miss out on domestic earnings and international co-production deals. Joyland's international success was starkly juxtaposed with its domestic blacklisting, underlining the economic cost of censorship.
3. Social Regression
By gagging news on gender violence (Verna) or child trafficking (Dil Na Umeed), authorities curtail public discussion on essential topics. Activists say censorship defends criminals more than the victims.
Conclusion: A Clash of Values
Pakistan censorship is a reflection of a continuous battle between maintaining cultural identity and adopting artistic freedom. While the regulators seek to protect audiences from harmful content critics contend that bans spread ignorance and intolerance. With international platforms offering more diversity in storytelling, Pakistan is increasingly pressured to shift its censorship model—balancing tradition with emergent narratives. For the time being, the destiny of provocative films such as Joyland and Hadsa is still caught in this ideological conflict.
