Wednesday, June 15 2005 09:23 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Disregarding strong appeals from its film industry, Pakistan has decided to continue the four-decade old ban on the Indian movies but said there were no restrictions on Pakistani artistes performing in Indian movies.

The decision to continue with the ban on the Indian films was conveyed to a delegation of Pakistani film producers by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad yesterday (Jun 14, 2005).

The decision followed months speculation in the media that the Government planned to lift the ban following strong appeals from the film industry.

Large sections of Pakistan film industry wanted permission to screen Indian films specially to revive the theatres, which were being closed all over the country as local films failed to attract the audience.

Indian films have been a big hit in Pakistan, even at the eight of tensions between the two countries.

Many in Pakistan prefer to watch the pirated video and DVD versions of Indian films.

While deciding to retain the ban, Aziz however told a delegation of film producers that the Government would not oppose any artist from acting in Indian films in their individual capacity, media reports in Islamabad said yesterday.

He promised to provide the necessary Government support like tax relief and other incentives like removing duties on imported equipment for films.

Pakistan banned screening of the Indian films after 1965 war and since then its film industry had a solo run but has failed to flourish.