Cinemagoers told Daily Express that tickets that were originally priced at Rs200 and Rs100 were sold for Rs260 and Rs160 respectively.
This caused a great deal of consternation for those who had made their way to the cinemas to watch the Pakistani films being screened during the Eid holiday.
There are reports of similar practices occurring in other cities as well.
Lahore’s residents complained to Daily Express that given the increase in the prices of commodities, they would have expected that cinemas would reduce the price of tickets because that is one of the few entertainment options left in the city. They asked that if entertainment tax had been waived by the government, why were ticket prices not reduced? Film buffs said that the government should take strict action against those who were involved in selling tickets at inflated prices.
Cinema owners told Daily Express that there had been no official increase in the price of tickets for Eid, and as far as the issue of tickets being sold in black was concerned, residents should complain to cinema authorities.
Film buffs, who went to see the four Pakistani films being screened, also said that the state of cinemas in Lahore was deplorable, and arrangements for seating, food and sanitation should be improved. They also stated that the technical facilities are inadequate which is why watching films in cinemas is no longer an enjoyable experience; compared to other upscale cinemas which may be pricier but have better facilities.
According to estimates, there are 160 operational cinemas in Pakistan. Films are released on eight or nine prints for distribution throughout the country. In the glory days of Pakistani films, there used to be 1,585 cinemas.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2010.
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