Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary, Marriyum Aurangzeb, has announced the first ever film and cultural policy of Pakistan. This announcement concluded the three-day National Artists Convention and CPEC Cultural Caravan, which took place over the weekend.
The policy includes the establishment of a finance fund and a film academy, building of film studios, restoration of the Directorate of Films and Publications, abolition of duty on import of film equipment, film censor fee and sales tax. It also includes a health scheme for artists and 70% rebate to foreign film producers on travelling allowance and eatables. According to the policy, only Pakistani films would be screened on national holidays.
Film studios will also be set up under the public-private partnership and the government will provide land for the project.
Under the cultural policy, the focus will be on building cultural infrastructure, promotion of visual and performing arts and theatre, music and other arts. Along with development and preservation sites of folk and traditional culture as well as archaeological places, inculcating cultural principles and priorities into the younger generation and documentation of extraordinarily strong culture, literature and traditions. It also includes Film, Radio & TV as the mode of promoting cultural diversity.
