Icon Award from Prime Minister 2023

Recipients of Icon Awards 2023

To acknowledge the multitude of esteemed actors and other notable personalities from our entertainment industry, spanning both veteran figures and present-day performers, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif himself conferred the Icon Awards 2023. These awards were presented to recognize the hard work, noteworthy achievements, and their role in enhancing the industry.

The winners included:

Humayun Saeed

Fawad Khan

Bushra Ansari

Bilal Lashari

Wahaj Ali

Nadia Jamil

Resham

Mawra Hussain

Mohib Mirza

Sanam Saeed

Meera

Nadeem Baig

Vaneezah Ahmed

Usman Peerzada

Saba Hameed

Rubina Ashraf

Iffat Umar

Ghulam Mohiuddin

Sangeeta

Babra Sharif

Sultana Siddiqui

Khalid Abbas Dar

Ajmal Choudhary

Hassan Askari

Nisho

The way forward:

In culmination, the recognition extended to illustrious actors, coupled with the implementation of forward-thinking policies, serves as a catalyst for transformation in the entertainment industry. This synergy not only honors the contributions of these celebrated figures but also builds a bridge between the public sector and the entertainment industry.

Beyond its symbolic significance, this acknowledgement empowers artists, affording them a more influential role in shaping the trajectory of their field. Moreover, the commitment to amplifying artists’ rights and voice through powerful legislative amendments instills a newfound confidence within the industry. Investors, recognizing this protective framework, are poised to infuse resources with a sense of assurance, fostering an environment ripe for innovation, growth, and a positive portrayal of the nation’s image.

Policy changes implemented by the government:

Following the pivotal moment where filmmaking was formally recognized as an industry, Marriyum Aurangzeb took the stage and announced the new policies that will be implemented to aid the growth of entertainment industry as well as the initiatives taken by the government.

Firstly, with the collaborative effort of Sultana Siddiqui and HUM TV, the government of Pakistan has released a book that encapsulates the history of Pakistani cinema.

Following that it was announced that the fee structure of PTV workers was revised, and the actors would be paid according to the market pay rate.

Moreover, the launch of Ptvflix and National Radio Pakistan Awaz Khazana was also announced. This thoughtful initiative aims to digitally store all the work and collaboration of different artists for radio, television, as well as cinema.

A video shared by Marriyum Aurangzeb on Twitter, gives an insight into efforts put in by the Ministry of Information and broadcasting to promote the growth of entertainment sector:

PTV

Building of a virtual studio

PTV academy and new studios renovated for schools, colleges, and universities for arts broadcasting.

Upgradation of equipment, cameras, and studios

Fee structure revised after 27 years.

Radio

Largest artificial intelligence based digital live monitoring and archiving of print electronic, digital, and foreign media.

Artificial intelligence-based sentiment analysis unit for effective execution of government narrative.

PEMRA Amendment bill 2023:

Defining the principle of self-regulation by including definition of misinformation and disinformation and amendment to secure their salaries and minimum wage by law under severe violation.

5.5 billion DRM project reaching out to 52 countries.

12 new state of art studios

Other Information

Besides this the following information were approved.

Recovery of Rs. 14 crores under implementation tribunal newspaper employees to clear their salaries.

Film policy-film production:

Film making and lab import.

All tax-free TI to facilitate film making.

PM film finance fund of Rs. 2 billion

Film artists health fund of Rs. 1 billion

Film industry considered as social corporate responsibility which means if corporate sector makes films, the investment will be given tax rebate.

Production withholding tax zero

New building of SRBC: operational with 150 rooms and virtual studios

Information service academy: complete revision of the module and affiliations with leading university

NASFF (National Amateur Short Film Festival) initiative to empower next generation of film makers by giving fully funded 1 year scholarship to New York Film Academy.

Pakistan’s first music policy which aims to reserve the rich musical heritage of Pakistan. The details were shared by Marriyum Aurangzeb.