KARACHI: After media debates from both Pakistani and Indian news agencies the Censor Board of Pakistan dispelled rumors that the Bollywood film “Ek Tha Tiger” has been banned.

The news surfaced after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued notice to TV channels and cable operators to refrain from airing promos and reviews of Ek Tha Tiger.

Muhammad Ashraf Gondal, Vice Chairman of the Censor Board denied the banning saying, “The film will be censored when it is released so we have not taken any decision to ban it.”

On Monday, a document, reportedly issued by PEMRA was issued to TV channels and cable operators to “refrain from airing promos/reviews of the subject (Ek Tha Tiger) till the time it is issued NOC from the central board of film censors.” The document stated the reason behind this decision was that “the basic theme of the story revolves around ISI with the objective to tarnish the image of state owned institutions.” The document concluded with the statement that “the matter should be given utmost preference and due care must be taken to uphold the country’s image.”

Now officials say that the movie can be aired if it passes censor board scrutiny.

It is assumed that the letter was issued as a precautionary notice rather than an official ban.