Controversially acclaimed Akshay Kumar starrer Padman, a film highlighting awareness on menstrual hygiene, has reportedly been banned in Pakistan after the censor board refused to watch it. The Federal Censor Board has denied issuing an NOC to Padman, announcing a ban on the film in all cinemas across the country, as according to members, films with “taboo” subjects such as menstruation will not be given a go-ahead for screening in Pakistan. Meanwhile, a senior board officer has said that the film has not been denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import into Pakistan; this was stated in a press release as well. Actresses Sanam Saeed and Armeena Rana Khan have still taken the stage and are standing up for the Khiladi actor’s starrer to be released in the country. “Periods. What’s the big deal people?” asked a socially invigorated Armeena. “The entire female population gets them including mother, sisters and daughters. They are as natural as the changing of the seasons. Let’s not make a big deal out of it. No need to ban films. They happen. Period,” added Armeena. Sanam, with her more witty approach on the subject, addressed the matter in another way. “A man changed the lives of women across India, he made them aware of their unhygienic practices. He found a way to provide them with affordable sanitary napkins. But let’s not share that story because it has something to do with #MenstrualHygiene. Tobah! #padman,” said the starlet. Padman traces the story of a man named Arunchalam Muruganantham’s journey to make affordable sanitary napkins. A section of the media has claimed that the film has been banned in Pakistan due to the sensitive subject and line of addressing. Pakistan Censor Board chief Mobashir Hasan says the decision on NOC is yet to be taken as the film has not been “previewed by the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC).” “The decision to issue an NOC by the Ministry of Information Broadcasting National History and Literary Heritage is yet to be taken on the release of a foreign feature film PadMan, as the film has not yet been previewed by the CBFC,” read a statement posted on Hasan’s Twitter account and shared with IANS. Hasan went on to say, “The decision to grant NOC to the subject film will be based on the merit and criteria of the CBFC, not vexatious, false and irresponsible political motives being created on various media platforms on the back of the film.” “It is advisable to maintain principles of integrity whilst making statements on any issues. Good values are the foundation upon which we will build a prosperous Pakistan, not upon a decision of releasing a solitary film,” he added. Published in Daily Times, February 13th 2018.