Punjab cinema operating hours extended

LAHORE: The Punjab government has extended operating hours for cinemas to 11pm, rolling back an earlier arrangement under provincial austerity measures that had effectively cut many theatres off at 8pm because they operate inside shopping malls.

The move was welcomed by members of Pakistan’s film industry, including actor and producer Fahad Mustafa, who had recently urged the government to review the restrictions. Mustafa had argued that shorter operating hours were hurting new film releases by limiting access to evening audiences during a key period for ticket sales.

After the revised schedule was announced, Mustafa shared the official notification on Instagram, thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and encouraged moviegoers to return to cinemas. In his post, he wrote:

"People of Punjab, cinemas are now open for you. Go and enjoy our film,"

The post drew responses from fans, colleagues and political figures. His Zombeid co-star Mehwish Hayat congratulated him in the comments, while members of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also appreciated his acknowledgement of the decision.

Industry concerns over evening shows

Days before the revision, Mustafa had written an open letter to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb seeking a limited relaxation in cinema timings. He said the restrictions were particularly damaging for films in their opening weeks, when evening screenings play an important role in attracting audiences.

The issue had become more acute because many cinemas in Punjab are located in malls and commercial centres that were required under the earlier austerity framework to close by 8pm. That reduced the number of screenings exhibitors could schedule each day and complicated efforts to maximise attendance during a competitive release window.

Mustafa also maintained that evening shows are often the most practical option for working people and families who cannot visit cinemas during the day. In his appeal, he said longer hours would help raise ticket sales and support jobs linked to cinemas and hospitality, while also benefiting filmmakers, exhibitors and viewers.

New business timings under revised framework

Under the updated policy, shops, markets, shopping malls and bazaars will now close at 9pm. Marriage halls, marquees and other ceremonial venues have been allowed to operate until 10pm. Restaurants, cafes, cinemas, eateries, and standalone fruit and vegetable shops can remain open until 11pm.

The revised framework also fully exempts several sectors from the restrictions. These include bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, fuel stations, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging facilities, gyms, sports centres, padel courts, IT companies and call centres. Hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies and medical supply stores are also exempt because they provide essential services.

Zombeid release coincided with timing dispute

The debate came as Mustafa was promoting Zombeid, described as Pakistan’s first zombie thriller. The film, starring Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat, was released during the Eidul Azha season, when multiple films were competing for audiences and screen space.

Zombeid opened alongside two other films over Eid, increasing competition for available screenings. With cinema hours restricted, exhibitors faced added pressure in scheduling shows.

While seeking relief, Mustafa had also acknowledged what he described as provincial support for the creative sector, including Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s proposed Film City project in Lahore. The change in cinema timings has now given exhibitors and filmmakers a longer evening window at a time when local releases are vying for audience attention.