Pakistan’s ban on Indian content will severely cripple their film industry – read exclusive details

Following Pakistan’s decision to ban all Indian content yesterday (February 26), there seems to be a long course of repercussions for the trade and markets there. Indian films were pulled down from all theatres across Pakistan post 10 pm, following the notice issued by Information Minister of Pakistan, Fawad Chaudhry. The minister had on Tuesday revealed that the Pakistan Film Exhibitors Association and the Cinema Exhibitors Association has boycotted Indian content, following which no Indian film will be released in Pakistan. Not just that, Pemra (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) has even been directed to act against Indian content including made-in-India advertisements. However, this decision made by the Pakistan government to withdraw Indian content is more likely to backfire on them. This decision may have an adverse effect on their markets and livelihood, especially in the film industry and see a surge in unemployment. The economy is bound to be severely hit and not just affect particular strata, but people from all rungs of the society. And here’s why.

More than 60 per cent of the multiplexes and theatres in Pakistan showcase Indian films. With the ban on Indian films, the shows and the occupancy are bound to be affected, because Pakistan’s film industry barely makes 60 to 100 films a year. These numbers will not even make up for half of the revenue that was being generated by the Indian films screened there. Films like Simmba, Gully Boy and even Zero, have had a successful run there and were still playing successfully when the decision to pull them down was taken. Naturally, the ban will now affect the theatre shows and revenue at the Box Office. Besides, since the Bollywood stars are much-loved there, the ban will only encourage piracy of Bollywood films. The piracy is going to further bite down into their business.

The setback to the industry will also hit the construction of upcoming multiplexes. With Bollywood films flourishing across Pakistan, there was a huge demand for theatres, and the past few months were seeing an upswing in the number of multiplexes coming up. Now, with this setback, the work will be halted on construction sites, costing a bomb, not only to the multiplex owners, but also affecting others involved right down to the worker class. There is bound to be an increase in unemployment with the slump in the film industry there. People right from the worker class to the owners of theatres will be affected by the ban.