Karachi: Renowned Pakistani actor Fahad Mustafa has appealed to the Punjab government to relax restrictions on cinema operating hours, arguing that longer opening times would give audiences greater opportunities to watch films and help ease the challenges facing the film industry.
In this regard, he wrote an open letter to Marriyum Aurangzeb, stating that under the government's austerity policy, shopping malls and cinemas operating within them have been instructed to close by 8:00 PM, a move that is negatively affecting the cinema business.
Fahad Mustafa pointed out that most people remain occupied with their professional and educational commitments throughout the day, making the evening and nighttime hours the most suitable period for moviegoers.
He further noted that limited cinema timings are affecting the revenue of newly released films, even though the opening days are often crucial to a film’s commercial success.
According to the actor, even a modest extension in cinema operating hours would lead to higher ticket sales, improved employment opportunities, and greater support for the entertainment sector.
He also appreciated the Punjab government's initiatives for the promotion of the film industry, particularly the proposed Film City project in Lahore, and said that limited relaxation in cinema timings would benefit filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences alike.
It is worth noting that Fahad Mustafa’s new film, Zombied, was released during Eid-ul-Adha and is currently being screened in cinemas across the country.