RAWALPINDI: Pakistani actors this week welcomed an upcoming government policy that is expected to abolish major taxes on production and help revive the local film industry.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry last week met representatives of the Pakistani Film Producers Association (PFPA) and announced that a new film policy would be announced next month, abolishing major taxes on films and providing “special benefits” to both TV and film productions:
New Film Policy will be announced next month, all major taxes on Films will be abolished likewise Dramas and Film business will get special benefits, hope new Film Policywill go a long way to revive Pak Film industry https://t.co/GQnH4pEGYo
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) May 20, 2021
Revisions to the current policy have been in the works for the past several months. In April, Senator Faisal Javed of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party stressed the need for new guidelines that would include the protection of stars and recognize their right to royalties.
“It’s a great initiative and I think it’s about time,” Usman Mukthar, who starred in the popular drama serial “Anaa” and produced a short film “Bench,” told Arab News over the phone.
Veteran actor Aijaz Aslam, who most recently appeared in “Nand” and “Uraan,” said he hoped that the new policy would give confidence to upcoming producers and young filmmakers to display their creative potential.
“It will encourage new investors to invest in the business,” he told Arab News.
Drama serial actor Mariyam Nafees, who starred in “Kuch Na Kaho” and “Fitrat,” described the development as a step in the right direction.
“The entertainment industry gets all kinds of benefits across the world to progress,” she said. “I’m elated to see that Pakistan is also finally getting there.”
Saheefa Jabbar Khattak, who starred in drama serials “Teri Meri Kahani” and “Beti,” told Arab News that change has been awaited for quite some time.
“I am pleased to hear that the government is working to protect the rights of artists by instituting a policy which will allow them to earn their royalties,” she said. “Better late than never.”
