CM vows to make Karachi the hub of film production again

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said his government will assist in every possible way in promoting the cultural cause to make Karachi the hub of film production in the country again.

“In the 50s ad 60s, Karachi used to be the centre for film production in the country, but later on this activity moved to Lahore. Now Karachi once again has started becoming the centre for film production,” he said as he inaugurated the four-day Asia Peace Film Festival at Expo Centre on Friday.

“The Government of Sindh would definitely be part of this activity. We would assist in every way possible the cause to bring the film production back to Karachi so that we can add to the rich culture of our province.”

The chief minister called upon the film-makers and other people associated with film industry to help the provincial government to adopt the first-ever provincial films’ policy.

He said that after the 18th amendment, films had become a provincial subject, and the Sindh culture department had been striving hard to adopt a films policy for the province.

“God willing, we will come up to the expectations of film industry by formulating a policy which would attract film-makers and which would give them more incentives, and which would also promote film industry in the province.”

Shah was of the view that input from the film-makers and other people associated with the industry would greatly help the culture department to adopt this policy. He said the chosen theme of the festival “Karachi for all” was closest to the truth because Karachi and the province of Sindh had always welcomed people from all over the world.

“I am glad to know that more than 50 countries are represented in this festival. A total of 109 Asian films will be screened in the festival along with 24 Pakistan films. This is a great opportunity for everyone here to get together and share views to promote the film industry,” he said.

Shah added that the festival would greatly benefit students, amateur and budding film-makers and would help them learn a lot from the experience of seniors and seasoned professionals in the field of film production.

He said “peace” as the chosen subject for the film festival was most appropriate given the nature of the city and the place where it was being held. “Sindh is the land for Suifism. Sindh is the place of peace. We have always promoted peace as it is our very culture that we are the promoters of peace and friendship. We are a pluralistic society as we will always be known for this.”

He said his government would continue to assist in holding such conferences and festivals to promote cultural activities in the province. “By the end of March, there will be another such event with the name of Karachi Film Festival as the provincial would also provide help to conduct this festival to promote the cause of culture.”

Amjad Bhatti, convener of the Asia Peace Film Festival, also spoke on the occasion and shed light on the objectives of the event.

Maariya Syed, an independent film-maker from India, Fatemeh Moosavi, film-maker from Iran, Prof Nend Dizdarevic, belonging to Bosnia, and other international participants also spoke and shared their experience of being part of a days-long cultural activity in Karachi featuring active involvement of the film-making talent of several regional countries.