Pakistan’s Creative Sector Raises Concerns Over Proposed Removal of Tax on Foreign TV Content

Islamabad, June 22, 2026: Pakistan’s leading entertainment industry organizations have jointly expressed concern over the government’s proposal to withdraw the advance tax on imported foreign television content and advertisements under the Finance Bill 2026-27, warning that the move could negatively impact the country’s creative economy and local media industry.

In a joint press release issued by the United Producers Association (UPA), ACT The Actor’s Collective Pakistan, and Directors Guild Pakistan (DGP), the organizations emphasized that any policy affecting the creative sector should only be implemented after meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

The industry bodies clarified that while they support tax reforms aimed at strengthening the national economy, they believe decisions influencing Pakistan’s media and entertainment landscape require careful review and broad based consultation. According to the statement, the existing advance tax on imported television programs and advertisements was originally introduced through the Finance Bill 2013-14 as part of a strategy to encourage local content production, strengthen indigenous media, and create opportunities for Pakistani artists and production houses.

The organizations noted that the policy has remained in place for more than a decade and has played a role in supporting local creative industries. They argued that any reversal of such a long standing measure should be preceded by a comprehensive economic assessment and extensive dialogue with industry representatives.

The statement highlighted the growing importance of Pakistan’s creative economy, which provides employment and income opportunities for thousands of professionals working across television, film, digital media, advertising, music, animation, post production, and other related sectors. It further noted that both federal and provincial governments have recently announced initiatives to promote local content creation and strengthen the country’s cultural and creative industries, including projects designed to expand film and television production.

The three organizations urged the government to temporarily halt implementation of the proposed measure until consultations with stakeholders are completed. They also called for an urgent meeting involving representatives from across the media and entertainment sectors to discuss the potential consequences of the proposed policy change.

In addition, the industry bodies requested the publication of a detailed economic impact assessment to evaluate the effects of the proposal on local production, employment, and investment. They further recommended the formulation of a comprehensive National Creative Economy Policy to support long term growth and sustainability within Pakistan’s cultural and entertainment sectors.

The joint statement concluded with an appeal to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the Information Minister, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, and members of Parliament to carefully consider the concerns of industry stakeholders before moving forward with the proposed changes.

The press release was jointly issued by the United Producers Association, ACT The Actor’s Collective Pakistan, and Directors Guild Pakistan, all of which reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies that encourage growth, investment, and the continued development of Pakistan’s creative economy.