Life & Style

Panel to take up Indian movies’ clearance on Monday

Information minister says Pakistani cinema will benefit from display of Indian films

Sehrish Wasif January 29, 2017

Photo: Screen grab from Raees

ISLAMABAD: A special committee formed by the prime minister for the clearance of Indian movies to be screened in Pakistan will initiate the process of issuing no objection certificates (NOCs) from Monday, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, who is heading the panel, told The Express Tribune on Saturday.

Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil to release in Pakistan

She said that allowing foreign content to be screened will be planned according to the commerce ministry’s new import order. “Importing the foreign content will be planned and the content will be shared with the censor board and passed through other procedure,” she said.

She clarified that without the consent and endorsement of her ministry, the NOC cannot be issued. The minister added that the entire process will take some time.

Shaan urges PM Nawaz to ensure release of Pakistani films in India

Meanwhile, in an official statement, Marriyum said the government has decided to maintain the present policy regarding the import of Indian films after reviewing the benefits Pakistani cinema trade can derive from their exhibition.

“The close examination of historical and empirical data including the trends of the industry since 1965 till date, it is evident that, the inclusion of all foreign content, including Indian film content in local cinemas, has a multiplier impact on the commerce and development of the Pakistani film trade and industry as a whole,” the minister emphasised. She said that the investment plans of the local film industry, especially of the cinema owners and film exhibitors for producing local films, were also reviewed. (WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP)

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2017.

COMMENTS (4)

mirestan | 7 years ago | Reply This is the act of Government of Pakistan to play 2nd fiddle to the Indians. There is no National pride left, only money matters. What a shameful act to allow Indian movies in Pakistan. people of Pakistan should boycott Indian films or join the government.

Giri | 7 years ago | Reply Pakistani cinema is dying very fast. And on top of this the stupid move to ban Hindi films. Now they are in worst situation. Cinema halls are closing. That will impact Pakistani movies down the line. Where will you watch these masala movies if no halls are left. On cable- free of cost? YOu should always be cognizant of your strengths and weaknesses. When you are not then you tend to make damaging mistakes.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Hassan Ali Khan | 7 years ago | Reply The ban should continue. Pakistan is Bollywood's second biggest foreign market. Last year, Pakistan's box office receipts jumped by 28% while India's domestic box office collection fell 6.7%. Unless the attitude in India changes,the ban should continue

isha | 7 years ago | Reply so what excuse these limited focused cinema owners will have when bollywood decides not to sell them indian movies. Maybe its time these greedy cinema owners should invest back some of the money they earn through screening of these movies and tax breaks into the local industry. Else we will have the same

Replying to X