Pakistan refuses import of non-Indian Punjabi movies

Aftab Ahmed

Islamabad: Pakistan has refused to allow the import of non-Indian Punjabi movies due to a diplomatic row with India.

Sources told Newztodays that the cabinet considered this case in its meeting last week whether it should allow the import of non-Indian Punjabi movies or not.

The cabinet has decided now to reconsider the case to cover all foreign films except Indian.

The Prime Minister Office had directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to examine the possibility of importing non–Indian comedy Punjabi movies in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The majority of Pakistanis enjoy the latest Indian Punjabi movies on different sites. They have to search different platforms to watch online. Youtube is one popular digital media platform to check new Punjabi movies online to watch.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting consulted the relevant stakeholders from the private sector including the film and cinema industry and relevant federal ministries.

In past, Pakistani Punjabi movies used to rule the Pakistani cinema industry. However, with the passage of time, they collapsed. Now, Indian Punjabi movies dominate even in Pakistan. The government has not allowed Indian Punjabi movies. However, you can find them online.

Pakistan film producers association has been demanding for a long to allow the import of non-Indian punjabi movies as they would revive the Pakistani cinema industry. It will also give impetus to the local production of Pakistani Punjabi movies. 

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had formulated criteria for the import of non-Indian Punjabi movies.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs had conveyed that non Resident Indians (NRIs) make most of these movies. They will eventually earn revenues from ticket sales in Pakistan.

The sales of revenue will, in turn, accrues to their country in the form of taxes and remittances NRIs paid. Moreover, these films primarily showcase Indian Punjabi culture.

This, thus goes contrary to the spirit of the ban on Indian films and drams ministry of information and broadcasting had imposed.

The Ministry of Interior suggested maintaining the status quo and not allowing any content linked with India for screening in Pakistan.

The private sector had shown enthusiasm at the proposal of allowing non-Indian Punjabi movies. However, the government sector stakeholders had opposed changing the current policy on Indian content and allowing non-Indian Punjabi firms into Pakistan.

Indian Comedy Punjabi movies are very popular in Pakistan as they are full of entertainment and a sense of humor. Pakistani people watch Indian Punjabi movies online and other such platforms.

At present, Pakistan has placed a ban on the import of Indian products including movies due to a diplomatic tussle between the two countries.

However, the government of Pakistan is considering allowing the import of non-Indian Punjabi movies for entertainment here. They are very popular here in Pakistan.

People here in Pakistan have always been crazy for new movies. Nobody misses new movies whenever they are available in the market.

Mostly, people find these movies on youtube. You can also watch Indian Punjabi movies online on YouTube or other such platforms now.

There was a time when Pakistan movies were very popular in Indian Punjab.

However, Punjabi movies being produced in India have fueled a new life in the film industry. Now, the case is reverse as People here in Pakistan wait for Indian movies.

 Now, the government is working on a plan to allow the import of movies produced out of India and from the third country. Officials say that it means the government would allow them that would be produced out of India, or Pakistan may import from other countries.

Indian Punjabi movies are a mixture of Indian and western culture as the majority of them are produced out of India in other countries like the United Kingdom and Canada.

Therefore, an option may be for Pakistan to import new such movies from Canada which is believed to be the hub of the Sikh community living there.

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The actors belong to Sikh Community and therefore, this option may be workable, an official said. However, this will be a good addition to Pakistani cinemas.

Officials say that it will also provide an opportunity for Pakistani actors to work in Punjabi movies. Pakistani actors have already worked with actors of Indian comedy Punjabi movies like ‘Chal Mera Putt’.

Iftikhar Thakur and other stage actors of Pakistan also performed in this Punjabi movie that also comprised of two parts. This movie is available on Youtube.