The Sindh High Court (SHC) has given the Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC) a two-week deadline to re-examine its decision to block the release of the Pakistani horror film Ghost School. The order came after filmmakers filed a review petition challenging the censor board’s decision, which they called arbitrary and unconstitutional.

In a short order issued on 12 June 2026, the SHC directed the SBFC to decide the review petition within 14 days and submit a report. The court did not specify the grounds for the censor board’s initial ban, but the filmmakers argued that the decision violated their right to freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution.

The SBFC had blocked Ghost School from screening in Sindh, citing concerns over its content. While the exact reasons for the ban remain unclear, industry sources suggest the board may have raised objections related to supernatural themes, depiction of ghosts, or perceived religious sensitivities. The film’s producers, however, have denied any wrongdoing and accused the censor board of overreach.

What happens next?

  • The SBFC must now reconsider the film’s certification and submit its decision to the SHC by 26 June 2026.
  • If the board upholds the ban, the filmmakers can appeal to the Federal Censor Board or take the matter to the Supreme Court.
  • The film’s release in other provinces is not affected by the Sindh ban, but distributors may delay nationwide screenings until the legal issue is resolved.

Why did the censor board block the film?

The SBFC has not released a detailed explanation for its decision, but Pakistani film censorship often scrutinizes content involving religious figures, supernatural elements, or violence. In 2024, the censor board banned another horror film, Zindagi Tamasha, for allegedly promoting blasphemy, a decision later overturned by the Lahore High Court.

Ghost School, directed by Jami and produced by Six Sigma Plus, follows a group of students who discover their school is haunted by the spirits of past pupils. The film blends horror with social commentary, a common theme in Pakistani cinema aimed at younger audiences.

What are the filmmakers saying?

The film’s producers have called the ban unfair and politically motivated, suggesting that conservative pressure groups may have influenced the censor board. They argue that Ghost School is a work of fiction and does not violate any laws.

"We respect the censor board’s role, but their decision lacks transparency," said a spokesperson for the production team. "If this is about protecting religious sentiments, then why are other films with similar themes allowed to screen?"

How common are film bans in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s film censorship has a long history of controversy. Between 2018 and 2025, at least 12 films were either banned or heavily censored by provincial or federal boards. Some notable cases include:

  • Laal Kabootar (2019) – Banned in Punjab for allegedly promoting anti-state propaganda.
  • Churails (2020) – Initially banned in Sindh for "vulgar content" before being cleared after cuts.
  • Kahani Chudail Ki (2023) – Banned in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for "promoting black magic."

Critics argue that the censor boards often lack clear guidelines, leading to inconsistent decisions. In 2025, the Supreme Court directed the federal government to establish uniform censorship rules, but no progress has been reported.

What should you do if you want to watch Ghost School?

If the SBFC lifts the ban, the film could hit cinemas in Sindh within weeks. Until then:

  • Follow updates from the film’s official social media pages (Instagram: @ghostschool.pk, Twitter: @GhostSchoolPK).
  • Check local cinema listings like Cinepax, Nueplex, or Atrium for release announcements.
  • If the ban is upheld, the film may release digitally on platforms like SeePrime, Tapmad, or YouTube with a delayed theatrical window.

What to watch next

  • The SHC’s final decision on 26 June 2026 will determine whether Ghost School gets a green light.
  • If the ban is overturned, expect a nationwide release within a month.
  • Keep an eye on the Federal Censor Board’s stance—if they side with Sindh, the film may face further delays.

This case highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and censorship in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. For filmmakers, it’s a reminder that even fictional stories can become battlegrounds for cultural and religious debates.

Will the ghosts of Ghost School finally get their day in court? Only time—and the SHC’s next order—will tell.