Pak censor chief may be axed for clearing ‘Indian’ films

The Establishment Division has moved a “summary” for terminating the services of Federal Film Censor Board chairman Shafqat. The step was taken on the direction of Culture Minister Sikander Hayat Jogezai.

Jogezai is also said to have given verbal orders that vacancies in the censor board should not be filled without his orders, The Dawn newspaper quoted sources in the culture ministry as saying.

Culture ministry officials said there were complaints against Shafqat from the public and the members of the film fraternity for allegedly clearing certain films that were “against the national spirit of the country”.

The films listed as “objectionable” include Gangster and Goal, both made with Indian collaboration, and Khuda Key Liye, a Pakistani film starring Naseeruddin Shah that was a huge hit and was hailed for furthering President Pervez Musharraf’s concept of “enlightened moderation”.

Shafqat, who was appointed to the post on a two-year contract and still has eight months to complete his term, said that as a Government official he was barred from commenting on the matter.

However, there were also allegations that Jogezai wanted to fill posts in the censor board with “hand-picked people”.