Today is the 16th world day against death penalty. Pakistan is one of the most frequent user of death penalty. Despite a significant drop in death penalties, Pakistan still accounts for 13 percent of all global executions since December 2014. Justice Project Pakistan, an organisation working for prisoner’s rights, analyses Pakistan’s use of the death penalty and press for reforms.
In spirit of World Day against death penalty the Justice Project Pakistan in collaboration with olomopolo and highlights Arts has been presenting a groundbreaking 24 hr long performance that is being streamed LIVE on Dawn News around the world – charting the last day of a prisoner’s namely prisoner Z’s life before he is executed.

No Time To Sleep starring Sarmad Khoosat who is playing prisoner Z is primarily about the cruelty of time that is both long and short while the ropes are tested. It’s a meditative twenty four hour performance following a prisoner while he prepares for execution. No Time to sleep is inspired from the story of prisoner Zulfiqar Who spent his last 17 years in prison waiting for his execution which was scheduled 22 times.


Sarmad Khoosat said “For the 24 hours that I will imbibe Zulfiqar’s story, I will be thinking of him. I’ll be thinking of his letters. I’ll comfort myself knowing that, at the end of 24 hours, I can go back home and be with my family and loved ones again.”

An exceptionally talented director Sarmad Khoosat has written an open letter to the Government of Pakistan and talked about the hindrances in the release of his film.
He wrote, “Like any other film, made in any part of the world, Zindagi Tamasha is a reflection of its setting. My team and I explored themes around gender constructs, class divisions and complex human experiences. There was never any intention to attack, to point fingers at or humiliate any individual or institution.”
“24 January was set as the release date. However, a ‘complaint’ was registered against the writer, the producer and myself, based on assumptions made from the two and a half minute long trailer.”
Sarmad Khoosat further added, “As a law-abiding citizen and with full conviction that there is nothing offensive or malicious in the film. In response, I submitted the film for another review to the censor board. It was cleared once again with a few cuts to appease the complainants.”
“I am bringing this to your notice not just because my team and I are being bullied and pressurised but also because this series of episodes undermines a state institution like the Central Board of Film Censors and strips it of its authority and stature,” Khoosat shared.





































Sarmad Khoosat’s latest project Zindagi Tamasha was recently screened at Busan Film Festival and also managed to bag an international nomination prior to its release.
Sarmad Khoosat announced the dates fo Kamli and wrote, “The two powerhouses of talent @thesaniasaeed and @sabaqamarzaman standing tall and mighty As soon as we are done with the release of Zindagi Tamasha, post-production work will start on Kamli more to follow February 2020 onwards InshaAllah! This haunting image has been captured by the up and coming and super talented cinematographer of Kamli @awaisgohar.”





































































































































