Pakistan bans ‘unislamic’ Pad Man, Twitter calls Censor board’s move ‘stupid’

The members of the Punjab Film Censor Board even refused to watch movie's screening on the ground that it is based on a taboo subject.

By: Rakesh Jha |
February 11, 2018 12:14 pm

Akshay Kumar starrer Padman, which deals with the issue of menstrual hygiene awareness, has been banned in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Express Tribune reported that members of the Punjab Film Censor Board even refused to watch movie’s screening on the ground that it is based on a taboo subject.

The Federal Censor Board outrightly rejected any clearance certificate to it and announced a ban on the Akshay Kumar-starrer in all cinemas across the country.

“We cannot allow a film whose name, subject and story are not acceptable yet in our society,” FCB member Ishaq Ahmed told PTI.

The film distributors are also facing criticism by local filmmakers for purchasing Indian films that are “ruining Islamic traditions, history and culture.”

Renowned Pakistani filmmaker Syed Noor stressed on the need to speak with the local film distributors and exhibitors about the films they import from other countries.

“Not only this film PadMan but I think even Padmaavat should not have been released in Pakistan as it portrays Muslims in a very negative light,” Noor said.

The R. Balki directorial is inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham,a social activist from Tamil Nadu who introduced low-cost sanitary pads to villages in India. Along with Akshay, the film also features Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor in pivotal roles.

The board’s decision, however, has not gone down well with Twitteratis who expressed shock over the ban and stressed like India, Pakistan also needs to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene.

Pakistan bans #PadMan …just when you think country couldn’t get any more stupid it surprises you. ________

— Bissmah Mehmud (@bissmahmehmud) February 10, 2018

Pakistan is a country who tops the list of most porn searching countries, but cant tolerate a movie about sanitary napkins.#Padman

— Anas Tipu (@teepusahab) February 10, 2018

I think we should just hand the country over to extremists and backward jaahil people.

This is based on a true… https://t.co/45IhIiK3Hb

— Shamila Ghyas (@ShamilaGhyas) February 10, 2018

#Padman banned in Pakistan just because it’s a movie that’s trying to create awareness about the health issues women go through due to lack to knowledge!!! Very disappointing!

— Komal Shahid (@ArmedWithWords) February 9, 2018

Those banning should know this “taboo” topic is the reason they are alive. No menstration means no fertility. No fertility 4 means no babies. Banners were babies 2 na. Nature se bhi panga. Leh. Apas ki baat. _ Misogyny much? ‘PadMan’ banned in Pakistan https://t.co/ANkxyt194i

— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) February 10, 2018

Padman being banned in Pakistan is another example of how our country is being run by uneducated man-babies and ridiculously self-hating women.

— shy fawkes (@aloovibes) February 10, 2018

Insecurity, illiteracy & double standards of #Pakistani filmmakers who’re okay with dirty raunchy item numbers but consider “unislamic” to film a social awareness topic of #menstruation on #WomenEmpowerment
Censor board, _move#Padman banned in #Pakistan https://t.co/MHfDx1zVys

— Mona Alam (@MonaAlamm) February 10, 2018

Yes, Pakistani Women menstruate too. I support #Padman and menstrual hygiene. Ban on @PadManTheFilm in Pakistan is senseless. Release it now. pic.twitter.com/KpsTL6Rc3a

— Ammara Ahmad (@ammarawrites) February 10, 2018

Banning PadMan in Pakistan is another one of those illogical things that simply affect the business of cinemas in Pakistan.
Menstruation is a fact of life, and bringing it to mainstream consciousness is neither immoral nor un-Islamic.

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) February 10, 2018

‘PadMan’ banned in Pakistan.

There are over 100 million women living in Pakistan…who all have periods.
Its normal.
Yet a movie addressing the issue is banned. _https://t.co/oRJiR8hNbf

— Sabbiyah Pervez (@SabbiyahPervez) February 10, 2018

Banning #Padman in Pakistan proves that this country is run by hypocrites and uneducated morons. Not talking about an issue doesn’t make it go away. And why is it even a taboo in the first place? We will never learn.

— Fatima _ (@fatimataqishah) February 10, 2018