According to a news report in Daily Times on July 7 , the government officials have, for the first time, gone on record to state that Pakistani cinemas were likely to be given permission to screen Indian films in three months.

According to a news-report filed by Anjum Gill in Daily Times, “Federal Additional Secretary for Culture Zafar Ahmed said that Pakistani cinemas were likely to be given permission to screen Indian films in three months.

It appears as if the floodgates have been opened for foreign entertainment and news channels. The last couple of years have seen an invasion by cable channels, which can be seen wherever you go, from restaurants and homes to shops. This is all part of the phenomenon called ‘globalisation’. Pakistani viewers, noticeably, are losing interest in local channels because of the glitz and glamor of the foreign media. It is easy to see that the majority of images beaming out of television sets are of foreign films and shows. Viewers countrywide prefer Indian music, films and Hollywood flicks and this has resulted in the local channels being relegated to the background.

Glasgow will play host to the UK’s first Pakistani film, media and arts festival next month which will attempt to bring cutting edge films and art exhibitions under one roof.

Titled Pehlee Dharkan (first heartbeat), the film festival intends to inform audiences and the wider community on what film-making in Pakistan really has to offer.

Organizers say it will allow them to savor the experience of a socially-engaged documentary/art-film sector, as well as the entertaining and cultish world of commercial cinema in Pakistan. It will take place from 13th to 25th September.