The Appeal: An Open Letter to Punjab Government

Pakistani actor and producer Fahad Mustafa has stepped into the policy arena, appealing to the Punjab government to reconsider the early closing timings imposed on shopping malls and cinemas under ongoing austerity measures — and the provincial government responded swiftly, extending cinema operating hours to 11pm.

In a letter addressed to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and shared publicly on Instagram, Mustafa argued that the existing restrictions were inflicting serious damage on Pakistan's film industry at a particularly sensitive time. Since the vast majority of cinemas in Punjab are housed within shopping malls, the government's mandate to shut commercial spaces by 8pm — introduced as part of energy-saving measures amid a global fuel crisis — had dramatically shortened the daily screening window available to exhibitors.

"The early closure is affecting recently released films that are relying on this period to reach audiences. A small relaxation in opening hours would be deeply appreciated by filmmakers, exhibitors, and cinemagoers alike."

— Fahad Mustafa, open letter to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb

Commercial Context: Zombeid and the Eid Box Office

Mustafa's appeal is not just personal advocacy — it carries direct commercial context. The actor is currently promoting Zombeid, Pakistan's first major zombie thriller co-starring Mehwish Hayat, which premiered this Eid-ul-Azha. The film released alongside two other Eid productions, and all three found themselves competing for a dramatically reduced number of screenings each day, with many potential viewers unable to catch evening shows before the mandated closure.

Impact on the Film Industry

Beyond the immediate box office impact, Mustafa made a broader economic case for the entertainment and hospitality sectors. In his letter, he noted that an extension in cinema timings could:

• Meaningfully increase ticket sales and improve revenue for distributors and cinema operators
• Protect employment across the exhibition and hospitality industries
• Give working professionals and families access to evening screenings they cannot attend earlier in the day

A Collaborative Request, Not a Confrontation

The actor was careful to frame his appeal as a collaborative request. He acknowledged the Punjab government's support for the creative sector, praising initiatives such as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's proposed Film City project for Lahore, calling these efforts encouraging for those working in film and entertainment.

Recognising Government's Support

His request, he stated, was for a "modest" relaxation — not an outright reversal of the austerity policy. The tone struck in the letter was one of gratitude and partnership, asking the government to extend the same goodwill it had shown through Film City into the operational side of the industry.

The Outcome: Punjab Extends Hours to 11pm

The response was swift. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took immediate notice, and Punjab announced that cinema operating hours would be extended to 11pm. Mustafa celebrated the decision on Instagram, writing:

"People of Punjab, cinemas are now open for you. Go and enjoy our film — Thank you, Maryam jee, I really appreciate this."

— Fahad Mustafa, Instagram

The announcement was welcomed across the film industry, with cinema operators, producers and audiences all expressing relief at the restored evening screening slots.

Why This Matters for Pakistani Cinema

The episode underscores a growing tension in Pakistan between economic austerity policies and the operational needs of a film industry that is still working to rebuild audience habits and commercial momentum. For now, at least, the reels will keep rolling well into the night.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Previous closing time: 8:00 PM (under austerity measures)
• New extended time: 11:00 PM
• Letter addressed to: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb
• Film in promotion: Zombeid (Eid-ul-Azha 2026)
• Action taken by: CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz