Why was Shamoon Ismail’s Show Stopped Midway?

Excited to be back on stage, Shamoon Ismail was performing at Karachi’s Avari Towers on Saturday, November 21 when police officials abruptly halted the show for allegedly violating social-distancing SOPs at the venue.

Shamoon Ismail’s bass player from the night, Sohaib Lari of the Big Foot Music revealed, “We were already six tracks into the performance when we were told that we have been asked to stop the show.”

“The officials from the commissioner’s office had arrived at the venue and weren’t too pleased with how the audience was not following the COVID-19 SOPs. We were told that due to the violation of said SOPs, we have to end the concert. That is when the management told us to cut it off.”

In the interview, Sohaid Lari recalled events from the night. “We got on stage around 8:15, after the DJ was done with his gig. Around 9pm, we were asked to get off of the stage and leave the premises as well. There was police and all we could hear was ‘band karein jee, issay band karain’ (shut this right now). So, we had no other choice but to end the night.”

Shamoon Ismail wrote on his Instagram: “Unexpected end to a great vibe.” He added, “K-town fam, love you forever!”

Organisers of the event, Salt Arts shared a statement on their Instgram, “Last night, Salt Arts produced its 103rd show since its inception in 2015, featuring artists Shamoon Ismail and SIDD. The show was held at the Avari Towers poolside. All permits had been secured well in advance and the teams remained in touch with relevant departments, before and during the day of the event.”

“The show was abruptly closed by authorities at 9:15, without any warning or dialogue. Salt Arts respects regulations and we have always communicated the same to our audience and constantly seek cooperation,” the statement read.

The show was halted despite the audience size being reduced to 300 instead of a regular 1,000, availability of masks and sanitizers, and a ‘no mask no entry’ policy.

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