Play about burkas banned in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 28 (UPI) -- The Pakistani government has banned a play about burkas, the feature-obscuring garment worn by conservative Muslim women.

The ban reportedly left theater company head Madeeha Gauhar hurt and astonished, the BBC reported Saturday.

The government invoked the ban, saying the play made "unacceptable fun" of Pakistani culture. But Gauhar, head of the Ajoka Theatre group, said the play is not offensive toward Islam or any other religion.

She claims she was being penalized for "promoting moderation."

But public officials have spoken out against the comedic use of the burka.

"The veil has long been part of local culture and nobody is allowed to make fun of these values," said Culture Minister Ghazi Gulab Jamal.

"They have committed blasphemy against the Holy Prophet", said Razia Aziz, a conservative female parliamentarian.

The Ajoka Theatre group has not received any official notification of the ban.