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Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar chaired a meeting on Monday to review the progress of a number of projects being implemented under the Directorate of Electronic Media and Publications. During the meeting, he said the government would extend its full support and take concrete measures to promote quality film production in Pakistan.

The meeting was also briefed on initiatives such as the National Centre of Films and the Central Monitoring Project, which aims to assist the country’s narrative-building and communications strategy. According to Radio Pakistan, Tarar said the private sector would be able to analyse their content at the facility, allowing them to reap its benefits as well. He was told the project, which launched in January 2023, will be completed by this June.

Meanwhile, the National Centre of Films, which is to function as the official custodian of the National Film Policy, 2018, will act as coordinator and liaison between the government and stakeholders in the film and drama industries.

The body will also be tasked with implementing incentives, structured linkages, agreements, and the promotion of Pakistan’s cinema industry on global platforms.

Participants of the meeting were told about the financial incentives the ministry had introduced to catalyse a revival of Pakistan’s film industry, including tax 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.

Memoranda of understanding signed between the Pakistani government and foreign countries to promote content exchange, joint productions, and participation in international film festivals in an effort to enhance cooperation in the film and drama sectors were also discussed.