Fawad proposes ‘higher taxes’ for foreign dramas

In a bit to protect the local entertainment industry, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday proposed increased taxation for foreign dramas.

Addressing a signing ceremony of a MoU signed between the Ministry of Information, National Arts Council and PTV regarding National Entertainment Awards, he said casting of local artists should be encouraged instead of foreigners.

He underlined the need for promoting film, drama, music and culture to effectively present national narrative at the international level. “Political debates did not promote the national narrative as effectively as do the mediums of entertainment.”

Chaudhry highlighted that the next National Entertainment Awards would be the largest in the history of the country.

Under the National awards, 22 awards would be given in film, television and music categories and Rs 250 million would be allocated for these awards.

The information minister added that during the past few decades, Pakistan’s mediums to tell the story of Pakistan have been weakened.

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In 1960s, Pakistan was the third largest film producing country and it was fourth in the world in number of screens, he said, adding that unfortunately film, drama and music industries were ruined during the past few decades.

Chaudhry apprised that a new film policy has been finalised which would give many incentives to the local film makers.

“Pakistan has beautiful landscapes,” he said while announcing a one-window system to attract foreign filmmakers to shoot their movies here.

He further said a film division has been set up at PTV which would encourage young filmmakers.

It is pertinent to mention that the national TV film division was producing two big budget movies on the lives of Mughal King Babar and national poet Allama Iqbal with the collaboration of Uzbekistan and Iran, respectively.

Moreover, a private firm was making a film on the life of Tipu Sultan.