Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: In order to revive the country’s film industry, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday announced a special package for artists and workers associated with the industry.

“It gives me immense pleasure to announce the biggest ever special package in the history of Pakistan for artists and workers associated with the film industry, which surely is the fulfilment of yet another promise like our other pledges,” the prime minister said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said that artists were those trustees of the bright traditions of the Pakistani society who had played a significant role in keeping alive the national identity, culture and heritage at the global level, besides carving a niche for Pakistan among the alive and conscientious nations.

“We are aware of the fact that quality entertainment revolves around availability of playgrounds, recreations parks, tourism and cultural activities… the nucleus of which is the revival of the film industry,” he added. The prime minister said he was proud to accord industry status to the body of films on the recommendations of the Information Ministry.

“Besides, relaxation in financial laws pertaining to films and exemption from taxes would also be given. The domain of art and literature includes all those honourable people we call writers and poets,” he added.

“Under this package, National Film and Broadcasting Commission, National Film Institute and an academy will be established that will have a studio equipped with the latest technology and gadgets compatible with the requirements of the modern times,” he added. For the welfare and financial assistance to artists, the prime minister also announced the establishment of Prime Minister’s Artist Welfare Fund to safeguard dignity and self-respect of artists.

He said that foreign filmmakers would also be given special concession for making films highlighting Pakistan’s cultural and history. He added that special concession would be given on the import of equipment related to the film industry.

Nawaz said that the government had decided to exempt the industry from entertainment tax. “More concessions will be made on the income related to film and entertainment,” he added.

The premier also announced to establish the Prime Minister’s Film Finance Fund to boost the broadcasting industry.

“I am confident that the steps taken by the government will go a long way in removing the difficulties and impediments connected to the film Industry. Later, the prime minister directed the Information Ministry to present the package in implementable form after consultations with the Finance Ministry and other institutions concerned for formal approval by the government.