31 July 2004	Saturday	13 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

ISLAMABAD, July 30: The government is considering a proposal to permit exhibition of Indian films in Pakistan, the National Assembly was informed here on Friday.

In a written response to a question by MNA Rana Asif Tauseef, the minister of state for culture, Rais Munir Ahmed, said a summary on a plan to allow screening of Indian films in the country was being submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.

The minister did not disclose any specific timeframe when the permission would be granted. The timeframe for implementation will depend on the Cabinet decision, said the minister.

Dilating on the likely benefits to Pakistan, the minister listed various advantages for allowing screening of Indian films in the country. He told the house that Indian film industry which some time ago produced pictures creating hatred for Pakistan would cease.

The government also expects the revival of film business and cinema houses, besides generation of revenue as potential advantages if the Indian films are officially permitted to be screened in the country.

The government told the house that Pakistani films would get much bigger market in terms of business, besides discouraging the mafia grabbing benefits due to piracy of films. The minister said film trade with India would stop piracy of films and benefit Pakistani technicians to qualify in the related field.