In a bid to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of Pakistani cinema, the Media Studies Department at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) launched the initiative “A Screenplay from Pakistan” on its campus. The project aims to compile and showcase original screenplays from classic Pakistani films, offering an insightful glimpse into the country’s cinematic history.
The event marked the unveiling of the first volume in the series, featuring the screenplay of “Saawan”, written by Dr Mashood Qadri. The launch was attended by prominent media professionals, IoBM faculty, management, and students. The initiative is poised to make these screenplays accessible to students, filmmakers, and media professionals, thus promoting the art of screenwriting and fostering appreciation for Pakistan’s cinematic legacy.
Talib S. Karim, President of IoBM, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of initiatives like “A Screenplay from Pakistan” in nurturing creativity and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. He expressed optimism that this project would reignite interest in the art of reading and screenwriting, contributing to the broader discourse on Pakistani cinema.
Satish Anand, Chairman of Eveready Group of Companies, praised the project for its focus on celebrating and promoting Pakistan’s cinematic traditions. He emphasized that the initiative provides an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to understand and build upon the narrative styles that have shaped the country’s film industry.
Muhammad Faraz, a faculty member of IoBM’s Media Studies Department and the project lead, along with Nabhan Karim, Head of Media Production and MARCOM at IoBM, introduced the initiative. Faraz shared the team’s vision of creating a platform that would serve as a resource for those interested in Pakistani film scripts. He also announced the launch of a dedicated website that will host the screenplays of selected films, making them easily accessible to a wider audience.
Adding to the significance of the event, special video messages were played from Saawan’s screenwriter, Dr Mashood Qadri, and lead actor, Arif Bahalim. Their words underscored the importance of preserving screenplays as a means of documenting the creative process behind films and providing inspiration to future generations.
The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Tariq Bin Azad, a Research Scholar at the Urdu Lughat Board. The panel included notable figures such as Kamran Wajih, Director of Marketing Planning and Strategies at Express Media; Zaheeruddin Ahmed, CEO of Dareechay Films; renowned scriptwriter Omair Ahmed Khan; and Muhammad Faraz. The discussion explored the power of storytelling in shaping cultural narratives and its potential to foster empathy and bridge diverse communities. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, the panelists emphasized the enduring impact of compelling storytelling on both local and international audiences.
The launch was further graced by the presence of distinguished guests such as Syed Mubashir Imam, CEO of ChannelTek Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.; Mohsin Iqbal, Head of Programming at Express News; and Javed Saba, senior poet and journalist, all of whom lent their support to this milestone initiative.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ejaz Wasay, Head of IoBM’s Media Studies Department, who hailed the project as a significant step forward in IoBM’s efforts to contribute to the preservation and advancement of Pakistan’s cinematic heritage. “A Screenplay from Pakistan” promises to be a valuable resource for cinema enthusiasts and a platform for promoting the timeless art of storytelling in Pakistan.