The Punjab government has officially extended cinema operating hours until 11PM, providing significant relief to Pakistan’s film industry and movie theatre operators. The decision reverses earlier restrictions introduced under provincial austerity measures, which effectively limited many cinemas to an 8PM closing time because they were located inside shopping malls and commercial centers.
The move has been warmly welcomed by filmmakers, exhibitors, actors, and cinema owners who had expressed concerns about the impact of shorter operating hours on audience turnout and ticket sales. Among the most vocal supporters of the change was actor and producer Fahad Mustafa, who recently urged the Punjab government to reconsider the restrictions.
Mustafa argued that evening screenings are critical for the success of new film releases, particularly during their opening weeks when ticket sales are at their highest. Following the announcement, he shared the official notification on social media, thanked Maryam Nawaz, and encouraged people across Punjab to return to cinemas and support local films.
The issue gained particular attention during the release of the Pakistani zombie thriller Zombeid, which stars Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat. Released during the Eid-ul-Azha season, the film faced stiff competition from other releases, making evening screenings even more important for attracting audiences.
Industry representatives highlighted that many working professionals and families prefer attending cinemas after office hours. The earlier restrictions reduced the number of available screenings and negatively affected ticket sales, impacting not only filmmakers but also cinema employees, hospitality businesses, and related service providers.
Under the revised business schedule, shops, markets, shopping malls, and bazaars will close at 9PM, while marriage halls and marquees can operate until 10PM. Restaurants, cafes, cinemas, eateries, and standalone fruit and vegetable shops are now permitted to remain open until 11PM.
Several sectors have been completely exempted from the operating-hour restrictions. These include bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, fuel stations, CNG stations, EV charging facilities, gyms, sports centers, padel courts, IT companies, call centers, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, and medical supply stores.
The extension is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s entertainment sector by allowing cinemas to schedule more evening shows, improve revenue generation, and increase audience accessibility. Industry stakeholders believe the decision will provide a much-needed boost to local film productions and encourage greater public participation in cinema culture.
The move also aligns with broader efforts to support the creative industry in Punjab, including proposals for future film development projects and entertainment infrastructure aimed at revitalizing Pakistan’s film sector.
