TLP calls off protests as Sindh, Punjab block release of Zindagi Tamasha.

LAHORE -- The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has called off protests scheduled for Wednesday, citing the Sindh and Punjab governments move to block the release of the now-controversial film, Zindagi Tamasha, in the respective provinces.

Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Censors also notified the filmmakers not to release the film until it has been reviewed another time, an official of the federal information ministry confirmed to media.

Hours after the notifications were reported, a pamphlet attributed to the TLP's publications wing, announced to defer the protests in light of the government's move to stop the film's release.

According to Tuesday's notice by the Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC), the decision was taken in view of the potential for the film to create "unrest".

"If the film is released for public exhibition, it may create unrest within the religious segment of the society and may deteriorate and be detrimental to the peaceful circumstances in the country," read the SBFC notice.

The board has advised all cinema exhibitors and distributors to avoid the film's exhibition "till further decision" by it.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government's information department also notified today the director Sarmat Khoosat that his film will be re-examined "in the wake of persistent complaints received from different quarters".

In the notice, Khoosat has been requested to arrange a show in this regard "in any cinema house" on February 3 at 3pm, so it may be reviewed.

he director has also been instructed not to release the film "till final decision of the committee". Additionally, he has been asked to ensure the presence of a representative "for personal hearing, if required by the committee".

Director of Khoosat Films Private Limited Irfan Ali Khoosat has filed a petition in a Lahore civil court against the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) for "trying to interfere into the smooth running, public screening/releasing" of the movie Zindagi Tamasha.

In the petition, Irfan urged the court to "[restrain] the defendant permanently from interfering into the peaceful releasing/public screening of above-named film on...