Improved Relations Allow Indian Films in Pakistan

The move is seen as a significant step in the warming of relations between the countries after decades of hostility. It also opens up a lucrative new market to Bollywood which, in terms of overall viewers and numbers of features produced, is already the world’s biggest film industry. The ban, introduced after the 1965 Kashmir war, had badly damaged the Pakistani film industry. Cinema audiences had declined sharply as viewers turned to pirated video or DVD versions of Indian films. The powerful Islamic elements strongly oppose the screening of Indian films, arguing that it would increase ‘Indian cultural influence’. The Islamists also oppose any form of entertainment in public — especially where genders could mix.