The Hindu : International : "Indian films cannot be allowed now"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 16, 2005

International

International

"Indian films cannot be allowed now"

B. Muralidhar Reddy

Government will check piracy and provide incentives: Shaukat Aziz

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that it was not immediately possible to allow screening of Indian films in Pakistani cinema halls.

He told a film industry delegation on Tuesday that his Government would work for the industry's revival by checking piracy and providing incentives.

He made these remarks at a presentation on revival of the film industry in Pakistan. The programme was also attended by Minister for Tourism and Culture Muhammad Ajmal Khan.

Cinema owners have been asking the Government to allow screening of Indian films to boost their revenue as the local film industry was in serious crisis. Mr. Aziz assured the delegation that the Government would not oppose any artistes if they were offered work in Indian movies in their individual capacity. He said the Government would look into the suggestions for relief in taxes and duties on raw material and equipment for the industry.

Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Tourism and Culture Senator Zafar Iqbal, while making the presentation, discussed reduction in duties and taxes and the need to check piracy to boost the film industry.

Mr. Aziz appreciated the importance of the film industry and stressed the need to develop it in line with the new "ideas and concepts."

He said many investors were now investing in building cine-plexes that combine entertainment and shopping under one roof, adding, it will give a boost to movie business.

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