THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Ghost schools are reality sans doubt’ (Sept 9).
Despite approval by the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC) and the Punjab Film Censor Board (PFCB), the screening of Ghost School has been banned by the Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC) in the very province where it was produced. The board, after a ‘careful examination and due deliberations’, found the film ‘not suitable’ for public exhibition. That we have ghost schools and ghostteachersin Sindhisnot a secret. As a matter of fact, there have been severalvideos andreports onthe issue. Such schools in Sindh have either been converted into autaqs (traditional guest houses in Sindh used by influential landlords) or they are being used to keep livestock byfeudallords.
Since the Sindh government claims to be working diligently on promoting education, especially for girls, it should, instead of imposing a ban on the said movie, consider it as a wake-up call, andtake all necessary remedial measures to improve the situation. To begin with, the government should allow screening of the film to create awareness about the issue, and expose bureaucratic neglect and those who are responsible for this sad situation.
The regulatory bodies, which have a responsibility to regulate educational institutions, should also be taken to task.
Khawaja Tajammul Hussain Karachi