Faysal Quraishi, Shamoon Abbasi Oppose Tax Relief on Foreign Dramas
Prominent Pakistani actors Faysal Quraishi and Shamoon Abbasi have expressed strong concerns over the government’s decision to remove advance tax on imported foreign television content and advertisements, as outlined in the Financial Bill 2026.
Faysal Quraishi addressed the issue on social media, warning that the tax relief could impact the domestic entertainment industry negatively by making foreign dramas cheaper and more accessible. He emphasized that this change might reduce opportunities for local artists, writers, producers, and technicians in Pakistan’s television sector.
In his statement, Quraishi also raised concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence technologies, suggesting that dubbing artists could face risks to their livelihoods due to advancements in AI. He urged the government to reconsider the policy, advocating for measures that prioritize protecting local talent and sustaining employment within the industry.
Similarly, Shamoon Abbasi criticized the government’s move, highlighting the fragile state of Pakistan’s drama industry, which has only recently recovered after years of struggle. Abbasi described the removal of taxes on foreign content as a “strange move” that could undermine the progress made over the past decade.
Abbasi remarked, “It took us 10 years to re-establish our drama industry and now we are watched across the world. Ten years ago, we faced the same crisis that brought the industry down.” He cautioned that allowing cheaper foreign content to flood the market might once again destroy opportunities for local actors, producers, directors, and writers.
Both actors called for dialogue with relevant authorities to find a balanced approach that supports the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s entertainment industry while addressing trade concerns.
The debate underscores the broader challenge of sustaining domestic cultural industries amid globalization and technological change. Stakeholders continue to watch for any potential policy revisions that might protect indigenous content creators and maintain the sector’s upward trajectory.