Fahad Mustafa urges Punjab government to extend cinema operating hours

Actor and producer Fahad Mustafa has urged the Punjab government to relax cinema operating hours, arguing that early closures are affecting audiences and limiting the performance of newly released Pakistani films.

In an open letter addressed to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Mustafa said many moviegoers are only able to attend screenings later in the evening due to work and other commitments. He noted that most cinemas in Punjab are located within shopping malls, which currently close at 8pm under austerity measures introduced in response to the global fuel crisis linked to the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict.

According to Mustafa, the reduced operating hours have shortened cinema schedules and affected films that are relying on the current period to attract audiences.

He argued that a modest extension in cinema timings could help increase ticket sales, support jobs associated with the exhibition and hospitality sectors, and improve access for moviegoers.

The actor also acknowledged the Punjab government’s support for the film industry, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s proposed Film City project in Lahore. He appealed to the government to provide further assistance to the creative sector by allowing cinemas to remain open for longer hours.