Maryam Aurangzeb Unveils Bold Initiatives to Elevate Pakistan’s Entertainment Industry
In a resolute proclamation, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, declared a groundbreaking policy shift on Sunday, heralding a new era for Pakistan’s burgeoning film industry. The pronouncement affirmed that both the creation and consumption of cinematic content would be unburdened by taxation, marking a pivotal stride to invigorate the nation’s film landscape. This visionary move, unveiled at the Icon Awards 2023 event held at a local hotel, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving cinematic ecosystem.
Aurangzeb, during her address at the event, underscored the genesis of this transformative trajectory, tracing it back to the inception of the first Film Policy for Pakistan in 2016, culminating in its endorsement in 2018. These milestones, she articulated, were forged through extensive consultations with luminaries from the artistic realm, producers, and stalwarts within the film fraternity. These collaborative efforts converged into a comprehensive blueprint to pave the way for the resurgence of Pakistan’s cinematic identity.
Emphasizing the invaluable input garnered from esteemed luminaries within the country’s artistic echelons, Aurangzeb extolled the role of these renowned individuals in shaping the contours of the Film Policy. In a nod to history, she credited the former Prime Minister, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, for his visionary leadership that elevated cinema to a formidable industry within the nation’s economic landscape.
Aurangzeb elucidated the salient features of this transformative policy, enunciating that movie theaters would be exempted from income tax for a span of five years. The film industry’s core underpinnings were further fortified through the abolition of import duties and fees on essential cinematic equipment. Notably, the Ministry’s proactive measures extended to the realm of sales tax, which has now been abolished, fostering a congenial environment for industry growth.
The Minister unveiled the resolute stride taken to galvanize the previously nascent film ecosystem. In a remarkable move, the government established the Film Finance Fund, infusing it with Rs2 billion to fuel artistic endeavors annually. This substantive backing underscores the state’s profound belief in the transformative potential of cinema. Augmenting this initiative, the Committee for Financing Films has been instituted, heralding a dynamic symbiosis between artistic innovation and financial support.
Beyond the film realm, Aurangzeb extolled the intrinsic significance of artists within Pakistan Television (PTV), a hallmark of cultural dissemination. A testament to this commitment, the PTV Academy’s rejuvenation after nearly three decades stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage. This digital transformation extends to the digitization of PTV’s archival treasures, ensuring seamless access through a unified online interface.
In an encompassing sweep, the echelons of Radio Pakistan have been invigorated with the establishment of 12 stations, bolstering nationwide accessibility to transformative content. The “Voice Hunt” initiative stands as an embodiment of this vigor, amplifying creative voices across the airwaves. Notably, the Minister revealed the digitization of Radio Pakistan’s archives spanning 75 years, a testament to the meticulous efforts to preserve the nation’s sonic legacy.
The grand tapestry of Pakistan’s cultural milieu was further enriched through the announcement of the forthcoming Pakistan Music Policy—a comprehensive framework aimed at safeguarding, nurturing, and perpetuating the nation’s rich musical legacy. Aurangzeb’s impassioned advocacy underscored the resonance of projecting the nation’s true essence onto the global stage, underscoring the profound significance of unearthing the multifaceted gems that adorn the cultural landscape.
