Lights, camera, action: Minister promises tax relief to stimulate entertainment sector

In a move set to ignite the entertainment industry, Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has pledged tax concessions to help filmmakers and cinema owners, during a meeting with a star-studded delegation of film producers and the Cinema Association, led by singer Waris Baig.

The delegation included:
• Zulfiqar Ahmed, Chairman of the Pakistan Film Producers Association
• Producer and director Shehzad Rafiq
• Safdar Malik, General Manager of Q Cinemas
• Rabia Khan, General Manager of Cinepax Cinemas
• Azhar Joya, General Manager of Universal Cinemas
• Nadeem Mandviwala

Shujaur Rehman emphasized the importance of the entertainment industry and encouraged filmmakers to revive traditional Punjabi cinema. He also urged provinces to become less dependent on federal funds by ensuring that industrialists pay their taxes.

Additionally, he mentioned ongoing construction in the Nawaz Sharif IT City and plans to lower electricity and gas bills in the next budget.
The film industry representatives highlighted the need for government support to revive the industry and proposed several initiatives. The minister assured them that he would consider their suggestions.