Govt to launch film policy soon: Fawad Chaudhry

• Establishment of four institutions- media technology university, film school (to be established at Karachi), institution for performing arts and school for modern journalism 
• Electricity billing category of cinemas would be made industrial, 
• Taxes relief to investors 
• Loans of up to Rs 50 million for film-makers

KARACHI, (Jun 12, 2021): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain announced that the federal government would soon launch a film policy for the revival of film industry with the provision of due incentives.

Addressing as a chief guest in the Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF) – Women Edition, Minister for Information Chaudhry Fawad Hussain also announced establishment of four institutions including media technology university, film school (to be established at Karachi), institution for performing arts and school for modern journalism for boosting film industry.

He said that electricity billing category of cinemas would be converted from commercial to industrial, besides waiving off taxes to give relief to investors.

The minister said the government was offering loans of up to Rs 50 million for film-makers within the age limit of 45 years.

Fawad Chaudhry emphasized upon universities which were offering mass communication discipline to upgrade their syllabi as per the modern world.

The Information Minister asked the people belonging to film industry to focus on the film markets of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia.

“If the lobbies were not allowing Pakistani content, it should be sold in Netflix.” he said.

He said that the Saudi Arabia was about to establish 2000 cinemas which was a great opportunity for Pakistani film industry to avail.

The minister said the government would provide conducive environment which was must for the revival of Pakistani film industry.

While shedding light on the history of causes which led to the downfall of film industry in Pakistan, Fawad Chaudhry said that the society had been remained male dominant in the past but now the things are getting changed drastically.

Earlier, he panelists discussed the issues and way forward of the industry.

Panelists included former federal minister Javed Jabbar, President Karachi Film Society, Sultana Siddiqui and others prominent figures of the industry.