Actor and producer Fahad Mustafa has welcomed the Punjab government’s decision to relax restrictions on cinema operating hours, saying the move will help audiences enjoy films more conveniently.
The development comes after the provincial government revised business operating hours under its austerity measures, allowing cinemas to remain open until 11pm.
Sharing the official notification on Instagram, Fahad thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and encouraged moviegoers to watch his latest film Zombeid in theatres.
“People of Punjab, cinemas are now open for you. Go and enjoy our film,” he wrote.
The actor’s post drew reactions from fans and colleagues, with his Zombeid co-star Mehwish Hayat congratulating him in the comments. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also appreciated his acknowledgement of the government’s decision.
Earlier this week, Fahad had appealed to Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to reconsider the early closure of cinemas, which were previously required to shut by 8pm. He argued that extended evening screenings were crucial for newly released films to attract larger audiences. Under the revised schedule, shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 9pm, while wedding halls and marquees will operate until 10pm. Restaurants, cafés, cinemas, food outlets and fruit and vegetable shops will be permitted to remain open until 11pm.
Several sectors, including bakeries, tandoors, milk shops, petrol pumps, CNG stations, electric vehicle charging stations, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies and call centres, have been exempted from the restrictions. Hospitals, clinics, laboratories, pharmacies and medical supply stores will also continue operating without any time limitations due to their essential services.