Actor Fahad Mustafa has written to the Senior Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, requesting a review of mall and cinema closing timings to support the local film industry.
In a letter shared on his social media accounts, Mustafa pointed to the direct impact of early mall closures on new releases. “Since most cinemas operate within malls, early closure is affecting recently released films that are relying on this period to reach audiences,” he wrote.
He argued that even a small extension in timings would benefit multiple stakeholders. “Extending cinema operating hours by a modest margin could help increase ticket sales and overall revenue for cinemas and film distributors, and support employment across the exhibition and hospitality sectors,” he added.
Mustafa also acknowledged the government’s efforts towards supporting the industry. “The Punjab Government’s support for the film industry, including initiatives such as Film City, has been greatly encouraging for all of us in the creative sector,” he wrote.
He closed the letter on a collaborative note. “A small relaxation in operating hours would be deeply appreciated by filmmakers, exhibitors, and cinema-goers alike,” he wrote.
Fahad Mustafa is one of Pakistan’s most prominent actors and producers. He began his career in the early 2000s and rose to prominence through television dramas including Kankar and Dusri Biwi, before making his mark in cinema with films such as Na Maloom Afraad and Actor in Law.
As a producer under his banner Big Bang Entertainment, he has backed several commercially successful projects on both television and film.
He is also the host of Jeeto Pakistan, a long-running game show on ARY Digital that has made him a household name across the country.
His appeal comes as he has two major theatrical releases within the same year. Earlier in 2026, he starred opposite Mahira Khan in the Eid al-Fitr release Aag Lagay Basti Mein.
He headed into Eid al-Adha with Zombeid, directed by Nabeel Qureshi and co-starring Mehwish Hayat. Billed as Pakistan’s first zombie thriller, the film marks Mustafa and Hayat’s first on-screen pairing since Load Wedding in 2018 and their fourth collaboration with Qureshi.
