Earlier, we reported that PM’s special clearance committee was drafting strategies to resume the import of Indian content in Pakistan. The latest reports reveal that the committee has presented its policy to the PM, who he has given his approval to cinemas owners to screen Bollywood movies, finally. The step is expected to increase the revenue of Pakistani cinema industry and might also help reduce tensions between two neighbouring countries.
Read: Bollywood boosted business in Pakistan, claims Mahesh Bhatt
“The Federal Government is pleased to continue the existing open policy to display all international movies (including Indian films) in Pakistani cinemas,” read the official statement released by Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage.
Read: Mahira Khan finally breaks silence over Raees promotions
Ministry’s statement also mentions the procedure to import foreign content. “An importer shall submit a request to Information & Broadcasting Division for the import of a 35mm Indian film (include the name and cast of the film). The Information & Broadcasting Division shall retain a copy and forward the request to the Ministry of Commerce for issuance of an import license under the import policy 2016,” mentions the statement.
Pakistani cinema owners self imposed a ban on Bollywood movies after some extremists in India pushed their producers not to cast Pakistani talent in their movies. But, the initiative backfired and cinema owners faced huge financial losses.
Read: We are set to resume the import of Bollywood in Pakistan
According to some media reports, if NOC and import license are given on time, Hrithik Roshan’s Kabil will release on February 3rd 2017, while Mahira Khan’s debut Raees alongside Shahrukh Khan will hit cinemas on February 10, 2017.
