Revival bid: Films can help promote culture, says Marriyum

Says removing despondency among govt’s top priorities

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb has said it is imperative to use the modern and creative medium of films to promote culture, heritage and screen tourism.

The minister made these remarks during a meeting with Punjab government spokesperson Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan in Islamabad on Friday. The two sides discussed the films and broadcasting policy and the package announced by the PM for revival of the film industry.

While explaining the main contours of the package, Marriyum said it envisaged the establishment of a National Film and Broadcasting Commission, a National Film Institute and a film academy which would be equipped with the state-of-the-art film production gadgets.

She said the package also included a fund for the welfare of artists, besides featuring concessions like reduction in financial rules and tax exemptions for filmmakers.



The minister said a heinous attempt was made in the past years to distort the real face of Pakistan through the demon of terrorism. "Our culture was suppressed, and regrettable efforts were unleashed to generate negative mindset in the country," she added.

According to Marriyum, removing despondency from the minds of the people and turning it into a vibrant hope is one of the top priorities of the PML-N government, and revival of the film industry could play a significant role in neutralising the negative tendencies.