Petition filed in Pakistan court to ban Indian movies

Pakistani films producers and distributors today filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on exhibition of Indian movies in the country, claiming they are having a "bad impact" on youths.

"The exhibition of Indian films in Pakistan is in violation of Motion Pictures Ordinance 1979 and the Import Policy 20130," said advocate Qasim Khan, representing The Pakistan films producers and distributors.

The petition said Indian movies, which are very popular in the country, are having a "bad impact" on Pakistani youth besides depriving level playing field for Pakistani films. The court office will fix the date of hearing later.

Almost a year ago, the Lahore High Court had dismissed a similar petition seeking a permanent ban on exhibition of Indian films in Pakistan. Justice Ejazul Hasan had asked petitioner comedian Iftikhar Ahmad Thakur to take up the matter with the ministry of culture, terming it a relevant forum.

The petitioner had said the exhibition/promotion of Indian films in Pakistan is in conflict with articles 2, 28, 31 and 37 of the Constitution. Therefore, the court should put a permanent ban on their exhibition in Pakistan.