Demand for Indian movies on Eid

ISLAMABAD: Film exhibitors and cinema owners have opposed the decision by the Ministry of culture that disallows the screening of Indian films on Eid.

The decision to prohibit the showcasing of Indian movies a week before and after Eid was taken in a meeting held in Lahore between the stakeholders of the film industry and the culture ministry. During the meeting, the Punjab government also decided to withdraw the recent entertainment tax on imported films.

Mohsin, marketing manager Cinepax, Rawalpindi, suggested that the ministry revise the decision about barring Indian films.

He went on to inform about the upcoming Pakistani film screening this Eid; a Syed Noor production. “There is healthy competition all over the world which allows Pakistani movies to improve and make their mark,” he said. Sara, a moviegoer, expressed her displeasure at the prohibition and said, “We already lack entertainment in the capital and such bans further limit our options,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2010.