Renowned satirist Anwar Maqsood and director Dawar Mehmood are reviving their play House Arrest in Islamabad from May 6-9, 2025, after the unexpected revocation of its No Objection Certificate (NOC) halted performances.
KopyKat Productions scheduled “House Arrest” from April 24 to May 9 at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). However, Islamabad authorities abruptly revoked the play’s NOC without explanation, forcing KopyKat Productions to announce the cancellation mid-run on May 2 via Instagram. This decision halted shows on May 2 and 4, disrupting a production that featured seven to eight debutant actors
Following Maqsood’s emotional Instagram appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, KopyKat confirmed the NOC’s reinstatement, with performances resuming May 6-9. “Islamabad, we’re back! Grab your tickets on BookMe,” the production’s Instagram declared.
In his video, Maqsood, a 66-year veteran writer, introduced himself humbly: “I’ve been writing for you, honoured with awards.” He detailed the play’s plight, noting, “We had approval, performed two shows, and had 11 more planned. Suddenly, the NOC was revoked.” He highlighted the production’s reliance on new talent trained for a month and emphasised its financial strain: “We’re running at a loss. We’re not wealthy.” Maqsood’s plea, ending with “Pakistan Zindabad,” resonated widely, amplified by X users praising his dedication to theatre.
Read: Islamabad Bans Anwar Maqsood’s Stage Play “House Arrest” Without Reason
House Arrest, a satirical comedy about two elderly sisters confined by their son, subtly critiques political figures, which some speculate prompted the initial NOC revocation. The play aligns with the PNCA’s mission to promote cultural expression, making its return a victory for artistic freedom.
