Authorities have confirmed that the restrictions only apply to theatre performances and stage shows, not for public or festival events like Basant.
The notification, issued by the Punjab Council of the Arts, sparked widespread social media speculation. Many mistakenly claimed that 132 songs were banned for the upcoming Basant festival in Lahore, set from February 6 to 8.
The songs on the list include popular tracks like ‘Aa Galay Lag Ja’, ‘Raat da Andhaira Way’, ‘Mennu Lagda Darr Way’, and ‘Gaddi La Day Prado’.
Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari emphasized that the songs were banned for theatre use only, citing “unethical” and double-meaning lyrics.
She called them “stains on the name of music and songs” and clarified that the government cannot prevent individuals from enjoying the music privately. The 132 songs ban is strictly about stage performances, under existing theatrical SOPs from August.
مجھے سمجھ نہیں آرہا نوٹیفکیشن میں بسنت کہاں لکھا ہے،یہ سٹیج پر پرفارم کرنے سے منع کیا گیا ہے
— Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) January 26, 2026
کیا ان گانوں ،شاعری کو پڑھا جاسکتا ہے؟اسکو سننا اور پرفارم کرنا کہاں ممکن ہے اور یہ گانے موسیقی اور گانوں کے نام پر دھبہ ہیں
انکو گانا اور شاعری کہا جاسکتا ہے؟؟ https://t.co/DZHVZax8D8
The minister criticized the leak of the notification, stating that authorities are not against dance or theatre itself but against vulgar or inappropriate performances.
“Whatever people choose to do in their personal lives is their choice, but theatres cannot display such content,” she said. The Punjab music ban aims to ensure theatre remains a medium for social awareness rather than indecency.
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Alongside the clarification, strict rules for Basant have been confirmed. Kites with political flags are banned, and nylon or metallic kite lines remain prohibited. Violators could face fines up to Rs5,000,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, as authorities aim to ensure a safe and controlled festival.
