PRIME Minister Imran Khan on Friday said the decay of local cinema industry not only led to the onslaught of foreign content but also impacted the youth’s upbringing on high moral values. Chairing a meeting to discuss the role and revival of cinema industry for promotion of national identity, culture and heritage, the Prime Minister said cinema played a vital role to highlight social values and national heritage, besides providing quality and inexpensive entertainment to the people. The observations of the Prime Minister are quite relevant as in the absence of any meaningful existence of the local film industry, there is growing influence of foreign contents especially those from neighbouring India, impacting upon our moral values and weakening our national identity. Despite technological revolution that has brought films to the palms of citizens, cinemas still have a charm as these fulfil recreational requirements of the entertainment hungry people.
Apart from entertainment aspect, films also help promote soft image of the country and, therefore, there is every reason to look into the causes of downfall of the film industry in Pakistan and how to revive it. It is acknowledged that Pakistan film industry was the fourth largest in the world by 1970s and grew despite lack of resources and equipment. Some of the factors that caused decay in the industry include substandard quality of films produced, squeezing of the film exhibition circuit, low educational qualifications, inadequate finances, lack of new technology and lack of trained staff for the in-door and out-door production of the film in the country. Success of Pakistani dramas is a clear testimony that we have the talent and ideas to capture the market but the Government will have to provide necessary incentives for required investment in the industry especially introduction of new technology that has made the job of film-making somewhat easier. Ministries of Information, Culture and Finance should sit together with other stakeholders including provincial governments to discuss the overall situation and come out with a comprehensive package for revival of film industry in Pakistan as its future is deeply linked with strengthening of our cultural moorings and identity.
