A meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Zahid Bukhari, addressed the challenges surrounding the issue, with the theatre owners also in attendance. Under the new directives, strict action would be taken against the establishments and performers who promote vulgarity.

The government decided to revoke the licenses of theatres that promote vulgarity and directed the Punjab Arts Council to secure formal undertakings from theatre owners in which they would pledge to avoid illicit performances.

The minister stressed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif wanted to make theatres family-friendly spaces. In this regard, the government would take steps to prevent the spread of vulgar content.

The aim of the upcoming legislation is to regulate stage performances and encourage the content which would address social issues and guide the public.

The decision comes after issuance of series of warnings and notices to theatres in Lahore that failed to comply with regulations, resulting in multiple closures.

However, this is not the first time authorities have taken such action. In 2023, the Punjab caretaker government shut down all theatres in the Lahore division due to ongoing violations involving vulgar dances and obscene acts.