KARACHI – The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation sent a seven day notice to Cinepax administration for closure of its cinema and other allied activities in the building of the Islamic Cultural Centre, here on Tuesday.
A statement issued by the KMC stated that Mayor Wasim Akhtar has said that the building of the Islamic Cultural Centre would be restored to its original shape in the light of orders of the Supreme Court.
He said that if Funrama Arts and Entertainment, managing the cinema, did not follow the directives and fail to stop its activities in the building within seven days, the KMC would initiate action with the help of its anti-encroachment department.
The latest notice was issued days after Supreme Court ordered that the posh cinema in Karachi’s Federal B. Area be converted back to the Islamic centre (Al-Markaz-i-Islami).
The cinema was established in the hall by Cinepax company’s contractor after the building was handed over to him by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
However, the move angered social media buffs and religious elements who demanded the restoration of the original Islamic centre.
The activity to convert the hall into a cinema was highlighted by Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Engr. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who wrote a letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan.
The CJP took notice of the issue, converting the letter into a petition.
After subsequent hearing, the court on July 7 ordered restoration of the actual status of the building and directed action against the private contractor and KMC officials involved in converting the building into a cinema.
The court also revoked Sindh High Court’s stay order to reopen the cinema. Moreover, the court has directed authorities to present a report to NAB and file a progress report on it within 15 days.
