Karachi: The proposed import content tax relief in the Finance Bill 2026-27 has drawn opposition from Pakistan’s entertainment industry bodies, which warned it could hurt local productions.
The United Producers Association, Actors Collective Pakistan and Directors Guild Pakistan said in a joint statement that the proposal could weaken the country’s creative sector.
The groups said the local entertainment industry supports thousands of jobs across television, film, advertising and digital media.
Actor Faysal Quraishi warned that easing restrictions on foreign content imports could lead to job losses for actors, writers, directors and technical staff.
Veteran actor Laila Zuberi said the proposal would benefit content importers while reducing opportunities for Pakistani productions.
Read: President Zardari signed Finance Bill 2026
Director Shamoon Abbasi said Pakistan’s drama industry had taken years to recover from a previous influx of foreign content.
The organisations urged the federal government to suspend the proposal and consult industry stakeholders before making a final decision.
They also called for a long-term policy to protect and promote Pakistan’s creative industries.
