Fahad Mustafa Appeals to Punjab Government to Extend Cinema Operating Hours Amid Zombeid Release

Pakistani actor and producer Fahad Mustafa has formally appealed to the Punjab government to reconsider the early closing timings currently imposed on malls and cinemas, warning that the policy is directly hurting newly released films and reducing audience access to screenings.

In an official letter addressed to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb — which Mustafa also shared publicly on Instagram — the actor requested a formal review of cinema operating hours. He noted that since most cinemas in Pakistan operate from within shopping malls, they are automatically subject to the government’s early-closure directive, which was originally introduced as part of broader energy-saving and austerity measures.

Mustafa argued that the restrictions are creating serious challenges for films currently in their release window, a period when strong audience turnout is essential for commercial viability. He stated that even a modest extension in operating hours could meaningfully improve ticket sales and boost revenues for cinemas and film distributors alike.

“The early closure is affecting recently released films that are relying on this period to reach audiences,” he wrote in the letter.

The actor further highlighted that extended hours would also benefit working professionals and families who can only attend evening or late-night screenings — a significant portion of the cinema-going audience in urban Punjab.

The appeal carries particular personal relevance, as Mustafa’s latest film Zombeid is currently running in cinemas across Pakistan following its release during Eid ul Adha. The Eid window is traditionally one of the most commercially critical periods for Pakistani film releases, making the timing of the current restrictions especially damaging.

Despite his concerns, Mustafa was careful to acknowledge the Punjab government’s positive contributions to the entertainment sector. He praised initiatives such as Film City, describing them as genuinely encouraging for professionals working across Pakistan’s creative industries, and framed his appeal as a constructive request rather than a criticism of government policy.

He urged authorities to consider a limited relaxation of the closing times, emphasizing that such a move would be welcomed by filmmakers, cinema operators, distributors, and audiences across the province.

The Punjab government’s current market and public space timing restrictions remain in place as part of its ongoing austerity and energy conservation framework.