Pakistan Film Producers Association agrees with ban on Indian content

Chief Justice of Supreme Court Mian Saqib Nisar orders for the prohibition of cross-border productions on local TV

LAHORE: Numerous Bollywood films have been banned within Pakistan in the recent past. These include the likes of Padman, Veere Di Wedding, Mulk and Raazi. Even Raees, Mahira Khan’s Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan didn’t see the light of day in the country. Now, the focus is shifting from films on the big screen to Indian content broadcasted on our local television channels.

While some have voiced their disapproval, others are happy to respect the prohibitions. The Pakistan Film Producers Association (PFPA) is an example of the latter. The organisation members appreciate Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar's decision to restrict Indian content on local television. Previously, PFPA members demanded a ban on the release of all Indian films in the country, even though they bring in a lot of revenue for local stakeholders. They then proceeded in writing a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, requesting him to take the necessary steps and make a decision on the matter.

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Since then, a meeting has been held in Lahore regarding this matter, which saw Lahore-based film producers and PFPA members in attendance. These included PFPA chairman and film-maker Syed Noor, director Iqbal Kashmiri, chairman of the Film Distributors Association of Pakistan Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, Mian Amjad Farzand and Zulifqar Mana.

Pakistan Film Producers Association demands complete ban on Indian films

Last week, Nisar ordered for the banning as he took into consideration a United Producers Association case which involved pertaining to the broadcast of foreign content on local television. PFPA members at the meeting agreed with Nisar's decision and further demanded that the Supreme Court also ban Indian films altogether within Pakistan.

They unanimously believe that our local film industry is suffering due to the release of Indian film within the nation. "Local film and drama stakeholders have endured financial suffering due to competition in the form of Indian content on local TV. Similarly, our local film industry has seen a crisis due to the release of Indian films at our local cinemas," Kamran shared with The Express Tribune. "Besides this, our history and traditions have previously been targeted within Indian content while our youth has also been affected through their films."

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He continued, "We have a history of struggling with the imposing of bans on Indian content. However, we are hoping to see progress now and expect a ban on all Indian content. A petition was submitted at Lahore High Court in this regard, two weeks ago."

The petition was submitted by renowned film producer Sohail Khan. "Due to relaxation of the entertainment tax in 2001, Indian film-makers have earned millions from our country and it's the same within the TV industry. We local film producers want the best for our industry due to which we have spent our money," mentioned Khan.

He shared, "We have experienced loss because of this. Now, the matter is going to abatement as many of us in the industry feel this is the right step. We should have taken this decision a long time ago."

Back in 2016, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) also imposed a complete ban on airing Indian content in cinemas, on TV and the radio. However, the ban was lifted in 2017 by the Lahore High Court.

Edited by Ramsha Vistro

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