The Lahore High Court is holding a preliminary rehearing of an application expecting action against Punjab government official for banning the controversial Pakistani-made film, "Maalik". The controversy stemmed from the government's rare step directly banning the film that has sparked cries of censorship. Maalik, which had already been playing in cinemas, was declared uncertified for the whole of Pakistan by the Information Ministry last month.
The lawyer behind the anti-ban petition is Munir Ahmad whose application is linked to another one which is still pending. He argues that the provincial censor board of the Punjab had allowed and issued the certificate for the film to be played in cinemas, but the provincial government was building pressure to withdraw the certificate.