KARACHI, Dec 20: The Sindh government, on Monday, decided in principle to allow a five-year tax holiday for the film and cinema industry to help revive the dwindling entertainment sector.

Presiding over a high-level meeting at the Governor's House On Monday, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad instructed the officials of the departments of Culture and Excise to formulate a comprehensive strategy in this regard.

Mr Ibad said that the provision of entertainment facilities was a must to eliminate the negative activities and crimes from the society. He urged the filmmakers to produce entertaining films for children and youngsters.

The governor also called for steps to provide the film industry with concessions, and establishment of a 'film city' on at east 100 acres of land. He also urged practical steps regarding the setting up of a film academy, besides provision of cinema houses in big commercial centres, adding that the rules and laws of the Building Control Authority should be updated in this regard.

The governor stressed on checking piracy, safeguarding intellectual property rights, and 'rating' of the films. He asked the officials to review all the aspects regarding the revival of cinema industry and highlight those issues for which the cooperation of the federal government was needed.

On the occasion, actress and producer Samina Pirzada and other representatives of the film industry presented their suggestions regarding the revival of the cinema industry.

Sindh Labour Minster Adil Siddqui, Local Bodies Adviser Waseem Akhtar, Principal Secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin, Additional Chief Secretary (Culture) Syed Anwar Hiader, Provincial Secretary Ishaque Lashari, Information Secretary Mehtab Rashdi and other officials were also attended the meeting.

ROAD SAFETY: Presiding over a high-level meeting, Governor Ibad on Monday decided to observe 2005 as 'Road Safety Year' in the province. He directed the authorities concerned to formulate a comprehensive plan for the purpose within a week. The plan should envisage creating awareness among the masses as well as the steps for ensuring smooth flow of traffic, he asserted.

Sindh Transport Minister Adil Siddiqui, chief minister's adviser on Local Government Waseem Akhtar, DCO Fazalur Rehman, DIG Traffic Yamin Khan, DIG (Operations) Mushtaq Shah, Additional Secretary Aftab Khatri and other officials attended the meeting.

Director-general, Mass Transit, and an expert in traffic engineering, Zaheerul Islam, was asked to prepare the plan. A report with regard to traffic accidents occurring at Nagin Chowrangi was also presented in the meeting.

He also ordered removal of obstacles that hinder the smooth flow of traffic in Liaquatabad, Karimabad and other such areas of the city, strictly directing the town administrations not to issue any NOC or license for temporary or permanent structures that might hinder the traffic flow.

Taking note of the reports that rickshaws and taxis were being parked along some roundabouts and intersections, the governor directed the officials concerned to stop such practice. He also directed that the bus stop located near FTC flyover be shifted to some other suitable place and lane marking, traffic signs and other safety steps be ensured at Nagin Chowrangi and its surrounding areas in a week. -PPI

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