LAHORE – Three leading organisations representing Pakistan’s entertainment industry have opposed a proposal in the Finance Bill 2026–27 to withdraw the advance tax on imported foreign television dramas and advertisements, warning that the move could undermine the local creative sector.
In a joint statement, the United Producers Association (UPA), Actors Collective Pakistan (ACT), and Directors Guild Pakistan (DGP) said the proposal threatened to reverse years of progress achieved by the industry, which supports thousands of jobs across television, film, digital media, advertising, music, animation, and post-production.
Several actors and directors also voiced concerns over the proposed measure.
Actor Faysal Quraishi said removing the tax could result in job losses for actors, technicians, and production crews, while veteran actor Laila Zuberi argued that the move would primarily benefit importers of foreign content at the expense of local productions.
Director and actor Shamoon Abbasi recalled the challenges faced by Pakistan’s entertainment industry during an earlier influx of foreign content, saying it had taken nearly a decade for the drama sector to recover. He warned that the proposed policy could once again adversely affect local actors, writers, producers, and directors.
Actor Hina Khawaja Bayat highlighted the international reach of Pakistani dramas, noting that local productions have gained audiences in countries including South Africa and Vietnam. She said government policies should focus on creating employment opportunities and boosting exports rather than encouraging imported content.
Actor Tazeen Hussain also expressed support for the campaign against the proposal.
The three organisations said they had submitted a four-point set of recommendations to the prime minister, finance minister, information minister, chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, and members of parliament.
Among their demands are the immediate suspension of the proposed tax withdrawal, consultations with industry stakeholders, and the formulation of a long-term policy aimed at protecting and promoting Pakistan’s creative industries.
