Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that all theatres across the province will stay closed throughout the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri (starting February 18, 2026). The decision was confirmed through an official notification from the Punjab Arts Council, instructing theatre owners, license holders, and producers to strictly comply.
The move aims to respect the sanctity of Ramadan, uphold religious values, and maintain a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere during the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Authorities emphasized that the closure applies to film cinemas, drama theatres, and similar public entertainment venues. Any violation could lead to strict action by district administrations.
This policy aligns with longstanding traditions in many parts of Pakistan, where entertainment activities like cinema screenings are often paused or limited during Ramadan to focus on worship, family time, Taraweeh prayers, and community gatherings.
It reflects the provincial government’s commitment to religious sentiments and social decorum in Punjab, the country’s most populous province with major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi.
The announcement came just as Ramadan began, following the sighting of the crescent moon on February 17. Social media reactions were mixed, some welcomed it as a sign of respect for the holy month, while others from the entertainment industry expressed concerns about business losses and job impacts for workers in cinemas and related sectors.
Maryam Nawaz’s administration has focused on cultural and religious harmony in recent decisions. This closure ensures Punjab aligns with the spiritual focus of Ramadan, encouraging people to engage in ibadat, charity, and family bonding instead of public shows.
As the month progresses, residents can look forward to special Ramzan transmissions, iftar events, and community programs that fill the entertainment gap in a meaningful way.
