Blasts keep people away from cinemas in Peshawar

Cinemagoers in the provincial capital are yet to come out of fear and shock after the bomb blasts in the Shama and Picture House cinemas as most of the movie halls are presenting a deserted look even three weeks after the sabotage incidents.

The number of cinemagoers has come down by almost 80 percent after the hand-grenade attacks on the Picture House on February 2 and Shama Cinema on February 11 last. Though Shama Cinema is yet to open for showing films, during a visit to other movie houses it was revealed that just 45 people were watching a movie at the Arshad Cinema, which is relatively more secure compared to other cinemas.

A guard at the Picture House said that just 10 to 20 people visit the cinema daily. “At the late night show, the number goes below 10,” he added. He said the security arrangements had been strengthened and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed to avoid such incidents in future.

The Sabrina Cinema was showing the cricket match between India and Pakistan but most of the seats were empty. Same was the case with the Aina Cinema in the Khyber Bazaar where a few fans were watching a Pashto film”Haraam Khor”.

The watchman on duty told The News that the number of visitors has reduced by almost 80 percent. “If 100 people used to visit the cinema in the past, now just 20 dare to watch a movie though the cinema has been open for the last nine days,” he added.

During the visit, it was observed that all the theatres had increased the security and installed CCTV cameras. Besides, strict checking with metal detectors is being done. The parking of vehicles near the cinema houses was also not allowed.