LAHORE, Dec 22: In the wake of the ongoing tension between New Delhi and Islamabad, the latter is considering a ban on screening of Indian films in Pakistani cinemas.

A source in the Federal Ministry of Culture told Dawn that higher authorities concerned would discuss the matter in a day or two and Indian films screening here was likely to be banned.

At present, Pakistan law permits screening of such Indian films that are produced and shot outside India.

The flow of foreign-produced Indian films in Pakistan started in July last year with the screening of `Awarapan’ followed by `Gangster’, `Goal’ and `Race.’ So far, around 20 such Indian films have been screened in Pakistan.

“Patriotism is supreme,” said Cinema Management Association chairman Qaiser Sanaullah, but quickly added that a ban on screening of Indian flicks would ruin the cinema industry.

“The local industry is not producing enough films to meet the demand for cinemas in the country. Furthermore, the films produced here are formula movies and attract only a limited segment of society,” Qaiser said.

Zoraiz Lashari, a cinema owner, also seconded with the viewpoint of Qaiser. Suhail Khan, a known producer of joint film ventures across the border, said instead of relying on Indian films one should try to develop the local industry.

“I have submitted some proposals to the authorities concerned to revive the local industry, especially formation of a film financing fund. The producers who want to make quality movies should be financed by the government.”

He said multinational companies should be asked to sponsor two films a year in the country to promote and support Pakistani cinema.

On the other hand, according to cinema owners the turnout at the box office for Indian films being screened here has registered a considerable decrease since the escalation in tension between the two countries.