Thread by @JavariaWaseem

A thread of Pakistani films banned in Pakistan:

1. Jago Hua Savera (1959) - a drama film directed by A. J. Kardar based on the struggles of a poor fishing village in former East Pakistan. Just days before the premier, the government of Pakistan halted the release. It was a joint production of East and West Pakistan.

2. Jibon Theke Neya (1970)- a Bengali-language Pakistani political satire directed by Zahir Raihan. The government had repeatedly tried to stop the film and threatened the film's director and actor Razzak. The director also received death threats for this film.

3. Insan Aur Gadha (1973) - a satire film directed by Syed Kamal, the film explored the human condition in Pakistan. It was banned by the government just weeks after it was released based on a scene that was a parody of Bhutto.

4. Aurat Raj (1979) is one of first Pakistani feminist movies. It was produced and directed by Rangeela. It was released to much hype, ran in cinemas, and then banned.

5. The Blood Of Hussain (1980) - a fantasy drama by Jamil Dehlavi about the life and death of the youngest son of a Pakistani family. The film was banned by General Zia ul-Haq as the film portrays a fictional military coup in a less than favorable light.

6. Maula Jatt (1979) - a Punjabi musical film directed by Younis Malik. It was banned not long after its release from the government due to its violent content. However, the producer was able to acquire a stay order.

7. Maalik (2016) - political-thriller film directed by Ashir Azeem. 8 days after releasing the film was banned by Sindh Board of Film Censor, Government of Sindh. On 7 September 2016 ban on film was lifted by LHC and the film was re-released on limited screens.

8. Among the Believers (2016) - documentary film directed by Hemal Trivedi and Mohammed Ali Naqvi. The documentary was banned by CBFC for containing "dialogues which projects (sic) the negative image of Pakistan in the context of ongoing fighting against extremism and terrorism".

9. Besieged in Quetta (2016) - a documentary film by Asef Ali Muhammed about the plight of Quetta’s Hazara community. It was banned for portraying 'the negative side of the country'.

10. Durj (2019) - a mystery thriller film, written and directed by Shamoon Abbasi. It is based on true events, mostly around cannibalism. It was banned by CBFC , cited as being "inappropriate" for public viewing. It was later allowed for local release.

11. Zindagi Tamasha (2019) - a drama directed by Sarmad Khoosat. The film shows an intimate portrait of a family who lives in Lahore. The release of the film was suspended after religious uproar. TLP protested on the release of this film. and further accused Khoosat of blasphemy.

12. Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of A Serial Killer (2019) - a film about Javed Iqbal directed by Abu Aleeha. A day before its release, the film was stopped from screening by CBFC.

13. I'll Meet You There (2020) - a drama film by Iram Parveen Bilal that portrays a Pakistani-American family in Chicago. CBFC banned the film citing that the film "does not reflect true Pakistani culture" and "portrays a negative image of Muslims."

14. Joyland (2022) - a drama film by Saim Sadiq. It centers on the extended patriarchal Ranas family, who yearn for the birth of another boy. A week before its release, CBFC banned the film on the grounds of "decency and morality".

Didn't know about this, so adding it to the thread:

Zar Gul (1997) - The film was unable to obtain a clearance from the government for a wider distribution throughout Pakistan.

16. Khamosh Pani (2003) - directed by Sabiha Sumar Pani. The story revolves around a family in southern Punjab affected by the increasing religious radicalisation under the regime of Zia-ul-Haq. It was banned before even submitting for a review because it had indian actors.

17. Slackistan (2010) - an independent film directed Hammad Khan. Its about a young man who is juggling his personal and professional life while living in Pakistan during political turmoil. CBFC objected to swear words in English and Urdu, and the words 'Taliban' and 'lesbian'.

It also had scenes showing characters drinking (fake alcohol) and a joke about beards (as in, 'my beard is longer than your beard') made between characters talking hypothetically about a fancy dress party.

Ugh, I made a typing error. Sabiha Sumar*

18. Verna (2017) - drama by Shoaib Mansoor. It revolves around a rape victim and her struggles. CBFC stated "The general plot of the movie revolves around rape, which we consider to be unacceptable." After protests against the decision, the film was released without any censors.

For anyone wanting to watch these films, here is a good place to start: