Experts address gender barriers in film and broadcasting at Lahore conference

Lahore: Dr Lubna Zaheer, Chairperson of the Department of Film and Broadcasting at the University of the Punjab, was a distinguished guest speaker at a thought-provoking conference organized by the Institute of Arts and Culture (IAC).

The session brought together prominent figures from Pakistan’s film and television industry to engage in a meaningful dialogue on its evolving landscape.

The panel featured celebrated film director Syed Noor, known for his contributions to mainstream cinema, and acclaimed drama writer Amna Mufti, whose work has reshaped television storytelling in Pakistan. Together with Dr. Zaheer, the trio led an open and fearless discussion, highlighting both the milestones achieved and the ongoing structural challenges facing the industry.

A central theme of the discussion was the gender imbalance in film and television. A critical question was: Why are young women from educated and respectable families still hesitant to join this sector? Panelists delved into deeply rooted cultural stereotypes, workplace safety concerns, and the absence of institutional support systems as major barriers to women’s participation.

“It is high time we create a safe, respectful, and progressive environment that encourages female talent to enter and thrive in this creative field,” Dr. Zaheer asserted.

The conference was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Najam Najam, Dr Asim Manzoor, Ahmed Muhammad Sheikh, faculty members, students, and media professionals. Special appreciation was extended to Dr Asim Manzoor and his dedicated team for successfully organizing this impactful and timely session.