The federal government , on Thursday, announced that social distancing restrictions imposed on a majority of businesses would be lifted by the end of this week. Among places that will be open to the public by August 10 are cinemas and theatre halls which have been shut for the past five months.
These sectors were on the government’s negative list – meaning they posed a greater risk of spreading the infection.
While members of the theatre and cinema fraternity have generally welcomed the move, they have also urged the government to compensate for the losses they bore during the closure, in some capacity. Chairman Theatre Action Committee, Qaiser Sana Ullah Khan, has requested the government to offer the industry some relaxation in taxes.
“I am grateful to the government of Pakistan for taking this decision as we have struggled for quite some time now. We incurred huge loses in the last five months and our producers are in terrible condition. I request CM Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar to announce a relaxation for the industry for two years and spare us from entertainment taxes and renewal fees,” Khan told The Express Tribune.
He added that the government should take an empathic approach towards the theatre community. “We cooperated with the government during this time of crisis and suffered a lot. In the past, we, as responsible citizens, have paid taxes in huge numbers. As such, the government should take into account our present situation.”
Senior actor Rashad Mahmood echoed the same sentiments. “We did not receive financial support during the pandemic. It is our request that now, with cinemas and theatres opening, the government announces a financial support package, along with easing taxes. Countries across the world are supporting their respective entertainment industries in such trying times. Our government should do the same,” he said.
Likewise, Islamabad-based film director Asma Butt stressed that at this stage, opening theatres and cinemas “is not enough,” pointing out that a number of people linked to the industry died due to poverty. “Our theatre artists, singers and technicians died during the past five months. It wouldn’t be fair if the government doesn’t financially support us. We are expecting a financial package for the artist community,” she said.
Iqbal Ahmad, who is the manager at Nageena Cinema, pointed out that the issue of non-availability of films still looms large though. “We have missed Eidul Adha, which is always a good time for releases. Thankfully, cinemas are opening before August 14. I hope producers have planned some releases by then. Otherwise, Muharram is just around the corner and we will see another dry spell.”
Chairman of Pakistan Film Distribution Association Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran appreciated the government’s decision and talked about how the industry should step up and efficiently plan film releases. “The decision to reopen theatres and cinemas is appreciable. Now, it is upto us to revive the industry. There are films that were ready for release before the pandemic. It’s time all the concerned parties hold meetings to plan out releases,” he suggested.
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