Renowned satirist and playwright Anwar Maqsood revealed that he has been prohibited from traveling abroad, though he refrained from disclosing the reasons behind the restriction.
During a recent public address, Maqsood highlighted a peculiar connection between Imran Khan’s imprisonment at Adiala Jail and the surging shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The statement quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion on social media.
Maqsood shared that he had planned to attend the Jashn-e-Rekhta event in Dubai but was prevented from traveling. “I was stopped from going there,” he remarked.
The celebrated writer also disclosed that his upcoming play, House Arrest, which was scheduled to be performed at the Arts Council Pakistan, was similarly halted. Addressing speculations, he clarified that the title of the play was not a reference to his personal situation but a reflection of the broader state of the nation, stating, “The whole country is under arrest right now.”
Maqsood further revealed that he has been barred from addressing large crowds, a restriction he did not elaborate upon.
Since the video of his address surfaced online, neither Anwar Maqsood nor his son, musician Bilal Maqsood, have issued any clarifications regarding the travel ban or the restrictions imposed on him.
The incident has fueled debates over artistic freedom and the constraints faced by public figures in Pakistan.
