SAHR has also called upon the governments of the countries concerned to take necessary steps to ensure respect for diversity of expression and democratic freedoms.

A press release of SAHR said Pakistan's Ministry of Culture banned a play named 'Burqavaganza' by Ajoka Theater after its staging in Lahore, although the play delighted the audience.

The play was banned apparently conceding to demands from five members of the National Assembly belonging to the religious alliance Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA).

MMA members also demanded action against Shahid Nadeem, the writer/director and Madeeha Gauhar, the producer and artistic director under the Blasphemy Law (which carries a mandatory death sentence).

SAHR said India is also seeing attacks against one of its greatest artists M F Hussain for his portrayal of Bharatmata (Mother India), and recent vandalism at the Fine Arts College in Baroda because of the art depictions by one of its students.

The trend of certain factions and groups to take the law into their own hands is indicative of growing fanaticism, the press release added.

SAHR demanded not only freedom of expression but also freedom of culture as well as culture of freedom.