Lahore, Mar. 2: Only 75 theatre artists from India will perform in the fifth Panj Pani Indo-Pak Theatre Festival to be held next month.

The festival was scheduled to be held between March 15 and 23, but has been postponed to between April 21 and 30 due to Pakistan's deteriorating law and order situation, claimed Ajoka Theatre Artistic Director Madeeha Gauhar.

Gauhar told the Daily Times that the issuing of visas to the Indian troupes had always been a problem. She claimed the participants were not issued visas in time, just like last year.

"This year, the Ajoka Theatre has deliberately restricted the participation of troupes from the Indian Punjab due to the current unrest in the country," she added.

She said over 150 Indian performers had participated in the festival last year, but this time, the Indian participation will be half of it.

"The problem of issuance of visas is generally affecting the India-Pakistan cultural exchange programmes," the Ajoka members said.

They said the event was being held at Alhamra on The Mall, and it was difficult to provide security to the visitors at the time. (ANI)