Reel icons demand real action for film revival

Mustafa Qureshi and Ghulam Mohiuddin, two legends of Pakistani cinema, believe that quality films can help promote the country's positive image abroad, while also providing affordable entertainment for the masses in both urban and rural areas.

Speaking at a programme titled 'Gupshup' organised by the Pakistan Film and TV Journalists Association at the Karachi Press Club, the veteran actors said the government must support the film industry to ensure its revival.

Mohiuddin, recalled that there were once more than 2,500 cinemas across Pakistan, but their number has now dwindled to fewer than a hundred. "A regrettable decline," the veteran actor told reporters.

Qureshi, whose portrayal of 'Noori Natt' in the blockbuster 'Maula Jatt' remains a benchmark in acting, proposed the establishment of a Sindh Film Development Corporation to promote the film industry in the province.

"During a recent meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, I proposed a Sindh Film Development Corporation. The idea was well received by participants, and Minister Sharjeel Memon said the government would consider the proposal," he said.

Both veterans criticised the government for doing little to revive the film and cinema industry, pointing out that while billions were being spent on other projects, no funds had been allocated to this vital cultural sector.

They stressed that if the government truly wants to revitalise the film industry, it must introduce proper legislation. They proposed that provincial governments establish cinemas in rural areas at their own expense to provide affordable entertainment for low-income communities.

They further suggested that all large-scale residential projects being built across the country - especially in Karachi and Lahore — should be legally required to include at least one cinema with a minimum of 200 seats.

The veteran artistes said that Pakistani films can project a positive image of the country to the world and that government efforts should focus on promoting the international screening of local films. "Pakistani embassies should be engaged in this cultural diplomacy," they added.

Earlier, Karachi Press Club Secretary Sohail Afzal, Joint Secretary Khwaja Munsif, Pakistan Film and TV Journalists Association Chairman Athar Javed Sufi, President Abdul Wasi Qureshi, Secretary Parvez Mazhar, Qaiser Masood, Mustafa Mallah, and others welcomed the guests.

The event was attended by 'Sakinaan-e-Shehr-e-Quaid Aalami Mushaira' organiser Mahmood Ahmed Khan, Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) President Tahir Hasan Khan, journalists Shams Kirio, Khalid Mueen, Abdul Basit, KMC Director Ali Hasan Sajid, and several others.

On the occasion, Mahmood Ahmed Khan presented copies of the 'Aalami Mushaira' magazine to the guests. In his closing remarks, Sufi reaffirmed that the association stood behind all efforts aimed at reviving Pakistan's film industry.