Pakistan Temporarily Bans Indian Films During Eid al-Azha

In a strategic move to bolster the domestic film industry, the Pakistani government has announced a temporary ban on the screening of Indian films in cinemas across the country during the Eid al-Azha holidays.

📜 Official Notification Details

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an official notification stating that the exhibition of Indian films will be prohibited for a specific period surrounding Eid al-Azha. The ban will commence two days before Eid and continue for two weeks after the holiday.

The notification emphasizes the government’s intent to “revive and promote the local film industry in Pakistan” by limiting foreign film screenings during this peak festive season.

🎯 Objective: Promoting Local Cinema

This decision aims to provide Pakistani filmmakers with a competitive edge during Eid, a period traditionally dominated by high-budget Bollywood releases. By restricting Indian films, the government seeks to enhance the visibility and box office performance of local productions.

Chaudhry Ejaz Kamran, chairman of the Pakistan Film Distributors Association, expressed support for the move, stating, “A temporary ban on Indian films during Eid was our basic demand to help local cinema thrive.”

🎬 Impact on Upcoming Releases

The ban affects all Indian films, including those previously censored and approved for screening. Cinema owners and distributors have been formally notified to comply with the restrictions.

This policy is expected to benefit upcoming Pakistani films scheduled for release during Eid al-Azha, providing them with an opportunity to attract larger audiences without competition from Indian cinema.

🔄 Historical Context

Pakistan has periodically imposed similar bans during major religious festivals to support its local film industry. These measures are part of broader efforts to nurture domestic talent and reduce the cultural dominance of foreign films in the Pakistani market.