Pakistan’s cinema industry once enjoyed its golden era, but a decline in film quality pushed the industry into crisis
The current crisis facing Pakistan’s film industry is temporary, and there is hope that quality films will soon begin to emerge, restoring the vibrancy and excitement once witnessed at the box office.
These views were expressed by Mr. Khalid Bin Shaheen, Chairman of the Sindh Board of Film Censors, during an exclusive conversation with Metro Live TV.
Khalid Bin Shaheen with former Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court Aqeel Abbasi and Kalpana Devi.
Mr. Shaheen said that Pakistani cinema enjoyed its golden era from the 1960s through the 1990s. However, the subsequent decline in the quality of films pushed the industry into a prolonged crisis, resulting in the demolition and closure of cinema halls across the country.
He noted that some improvement came with films such as Khuda Kay Liye, Bol, Waar, Na Maloom Afraad, and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. Despite these successes, however, the film industry has yet to achieve a genuine revival.
According to Mr. Shaheen, producing only two to four films a year is not enough to revive Pakistan’s film and cinema industries. He emphasized the need for filmmakers to increase production and focus on making quality films that can attract audiences back to cinemas.
He further observed that, for several years, single-screen cinemas and multiplexes across Pakistan have largely depended on Hollywood and other foreign-language films to sustain their businesses. However, he stressed that a country’s own film industry plays a pivotal role in ensuring the survival of its cinema sector.
“The survival of local cinemas is not possible without the production and commercial success of Pakistani films,” he emphasized.
Members of the Sindh Board of Film Censors pose for a group photograph with Chairman Khalid Bin Shaheen.
Mr. Shaheen also welcomed the initiatives taken by the Sindh and Punjab governments to provide funding to filmmakers, describing the financial support as a positive step towards revitalizing the industry.
He added that the responsibility now rests with filmmakers to make effective use of these funds and deliver quality productions capable of attracting audiences and achieving success at the box office.
He expressed hope that sustained investment, increased film production, and a stronger focus on quality storytelling would help Pakistan’s film industry regain its former glory and restore the vitality of local cinemas.
