A Pakistani court has sought a reply from the federal government and the central censor board's chairman for failing to implement its order imposing restrictions on the screening of Indian films.
The Lahore High Court yesterday directed the law officer of the federal government to ensure a reply is submitted regarding the implementation of its order at the next hearing on December 12.
At the previous hearing on November 19, the court imposed restrictions on the screening of Indian films across the country and laid down conditions for their import. It also directed authorities to strictly implement its order.
The order was issued in response to a petition filed by TV talk show host Mubashir Lucman, a former film producer known for his anti-India stance.
He contended that under the Motion Picture Act, films shot in India cannot be exhibited in Pakistan. He claimed at least 213 Indian movies had been screened in Pakistan since 2006 after obtaining certificates on the basis of "fake documents".
Lucman sought action against importers of Indian films on charges of smuggling and urged the High Court to restrain the censor board from issuing certificates to the movies.
Importers and distributors of new movies like "Ram-Leela", "Singh Saab The Great", "Bullet Raja" and "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein" are upset over the court's order as Indian films do strong business in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Film Exhibitors and Distributors, a leading industry lobby, is of the view that many cinemas will close if the court's order is implemented.
The court's order came days after Pakistan's electronic media regulator slapped fines of Rs 10 million on 10 channels for airing excessive Indian and foreign content, including films and serials.
Indian movies have largely fuelled a boom at the Pakistani box office after former military ruler Pervez Musharraf eased restrictions on their import in 2006. The screening of Indian movies was banned by Pakistan after the 1965 war but pirated copies of films were widely available across the country.
