After almost two years since the closure of cinemas in Pakistan due to the pandemic, we saw a ray of hope for the movie industry- now that the theaters are open for screening films.

With the release of Khel Khel Mein in November last year, all eyes were on the release of Yasir Hussain’s Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer. However, the movie, which was scheduled to hit cinemas on January 28, is now banned by the Punjab Government and the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC).

A CBFC spokesperson told the Express Tribune, "CBFC has halted the release of a film on Javed Iqbal. We are yet to consider its re-examination. CBFC Chairman Arshad Munir has a clear stance in this regard as it will be stopped for release but other provinces can re-examine it according to their policy.”

Directed by Abu Aleeha, the movie is based on a real story of a notorious criminal in Lahore, who is known for abusing and killing more than a hundred children in the city, back in the late 1990s. His killing spree wreaked terror in the country for Iqbal tortured children in the most brutal way. However, he was caught and sentenced to death.

The morbid movie takes a plunge into his life and psyche, with Yasir Hussain playing the role of Javed Iqbal. Ayesha Omer has donned the role of a policewoman in the story.

Celebrities react to ban on Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer

Of course, the ban has created a hue and cry from stars who believe that the movie deserves to be exhibited in cinemas for the growth of the industry.

Abu Aleeha took to Twitter to protest regarding the halt in the screenings.

The cast too is disappointed for they worked hard to make the movie a reality.

Iqra Aziz and more celebrities from the entertainment fraternity too have risen to support the movie’s screening in the cinemas.

Do you think the movie should be screened in Pakistani cinemas? Let us know in the comments below