The government on Tuesday decided to continue the existing policy to screen all international films, including Indian films, in Pakistani cinemas, said a notification issued by the Ministry of Information.
“Federal government is pleased to continue the existing open policy to screen all international movies (including Indian films) in Pakistani cinemas and is pleased to take the following decisions for revival of the Pakistani film industry,” said the notification.
Following the approval by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the federal government announced conditions for the import of Indian films.
According to the approved conditions, an importer will have to submit a request to the Information and Broadcasting Division for the import of an Indian film, including the name and cast of the film.
The division will retain a copy and forward the request to the Ministry of Commerce for issuance of an import license under Import Policy 2016.
"For the import of an Indian film on DCP/Digital drive/CD, the importer will submit a request (including name and cast of the film) to the Information and Broadcasting Division," said the notification.
In October, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) approved a complete ban on airing of Indian content in Pakistan.
The federal government had also earlier suggested banning airing of Indian content in a tit-for-tat move after Pakistani content was completely banned by India.
The importers of Indian movies will also have to seek clearance from relevant censor boards through the existing official procedure.
