Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that the government will extend full support and take concrete measures to promote quality film production in Pakistan.
He was chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on Monday to assess the progress of various projects being implemented under the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications (DEMP).
During the meeting, the Minister was briefed on the establishment of the Central Monitoring Project and the National Centre of Films (NCF).
It was informed that the Central Monitoring Project, launched in January 2023, is expected to be completed by June this year.
The meeting was also updated on the expansion of the project’s scope and ongoing technological improvements.
Emphasizing the timely completion of the initiative, the Information Minister said the Central Monitoring Unit is a modern project aligned with contemporary requirements. He added that it will assist in preparing reports related to narrative-building and in formulating an effective communication strategy. He further noted that the private sector will also benefit as it will be able to analyze its content through this facility.
The DEMP administration assured the Minister that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the project’s completion by June this year, in accordance with PC-I and the approved work plan.
It was agreed that review meetings will be held regularly to monitor progress and to identify and resolve any hurdles in a timely manner.
The meeting was also informed about the establishment of the National Centre of Films.
As the official custodian of the National Film Policy 2018, the NCF ensures coordination and liaison with stakeholders in the film and drama industry.
It also facilitates the implementation of incentives, structured linkages, agreements, and participation in global platforms to promote Pakistan’s cinema industry internationally.
The meeting was told that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced financial incentives for the revival of the film industry. These include exemptions on cinematographic equipment, tax relief for cinema operations and feature film production, and tax credits linked to corporate social responsibility under the Film and Drama Finance Fund.
It was further shared that several Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with different countries to enhance cooperation in the film and drama sectors. The purpose of these MoUs is to promote content exchange, joint productions, and participation in international film festivals.