‘Film, drama revival imperative for Pakistan’

Minister assures govt support for improving technology involved in movies

ISLAMABAD:

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Monday that film and drama could play an important role in improving Pakistan's global image.

Talking to a delegation of Pakistan Film Producers Association led by Chairman Sheikh Amjad Rashid, she said improving the story, quality and technology of films was part of national film policy announced by the government.

The government was taking practical steps to rehabilitate cinemas, build new cinemas and give incentives to artists, she remarked.

Quality films are very much needed at this time and the film industry will be aligned with technology and modern requirements, she maintained.

In this regard, the government would provide all possible support to the filmmakers in the import of equipment for the film industry, including tax relief, she assured the delegation.

"Discussions are going on with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the elimination of withholding tax imposed on the film industry, the plan of action will be decided soon," she said.

Marriyum said that discussions were going on with the relevant authorities to give tax concessions to new cinemas, production houses and all stakeholders of the film industry will be consulted on tax exemptions and other issues very soon.

The government restored the film and culture policy, as soon as it assumed responsibility, and it gave film the status of an industry.

She said that efforts will be intensified to start joint production of Pakistani and Chinese filmmakers.

The minister also briefed the delegation about her discussions with the Chinese Ambassador regarding cooperation and co-production between Pakistan and China in film making.

Film Producers Association Chairman Shaikh Amjad Rashid said that the government's initiatives would help revive the cinema and film industry and his association would work with the government to give the Pakistan film industry its true identity.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2022.