Award-winning Pakistani film “Ghost School” has been denied screening in Sindh

The makers of the internationally award-winning Pakistani film “Ghost School” have approached the Sindh High Court after the Sindh Board of Film Censors refused to allow the film to be screened in the province.

The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Sindh government and other respondents and directed them to submit their responses by August 21. The case has raised questions over the legal basis for restricting a film that has already received screening approval from federal and Punjab censor authorities.

Film Cleared by Federal and Punjab Boards

The petitioner’s lawyer, Mueez Baig, told the court that the Central Board of Film Censors and the Punjab Board of Film Censors had already cleared “Ghost School” for public exhibition.

He argued that the Sindh Board of Film Censors had nevertheless declined to approve the film for screening in Sindh.

According to the petition, the Sindh Motion Pictures Act, 2011 allows authorities to refuse certification only on specific legal grounds.

The lawyer said restrictions can apply to films containing material considered contrary to religion, national security, international relations or public morality. However, he argued that the Sindh censor board’s decision in the case of “Ghost School” did not fall within those statutory grounds.

Film Highlights ‘Ghost Schools’ Issue

The filmmakers’ legal team told the court that “Ghost School” highlights the issue of ghost schools, a term commonly used for schools that exist on official records but have limited or no actual educational activity.

The film has also received international recognition, including an award for Best Direction at the UK Asian Film Festival, according to the petitioner’s lawyer.

The lawyer further alleged that the filmmakers were not issued a show-cause notice before the decision and were not given an opportunity to present their position.

The court has sought responses from the relevant authorities by August 21, after which the matter is expected to proceed further.

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