Pakistan

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Pakistan, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Pakistan

Capital

Islamabad

Main Cities

Lahore, Karachi

Local Languages

Punjabi (48%), Sindhi (12%), Saraiki (10%), Pashto (8%), Balochi (3%), Hindko (2%), Brahui (1%)

Currency

Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Climate

Tropical Climate

General Visa Requirements:

There are no official filming permits in Pakistan. To shoot in the country, one must apply for a Journalist Visa.

Required Documents:

Synopsis of the project
Letter from the broadcaster or commissioner
Crew list
CV with previous work

Filming Restrictions:
If filming involves key point locations such as ports or sensitive government areas, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) is required.

This must be obtained from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Islamabad or the Home Office.

Visa Application Process:

You can start your Visa Application here.

Processing Time:

The processing time for a visa in Pakistan typically takes around 4-6 working days for an online visa application, but can take up to 2-4 weeks or more for a manual application, depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.

Cost:

The cost of a visa for a film crew in Pakistan varies, but a single-entry visa typically costs around $60-$100 USD per person, while a multiple-entry visa can cost between $100-$200 USD per person.

Accreditation Requirements:

In Pakistan, film crew accreditation is typically handled by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, and National Heritage, which issue permits and accreditation for foreign film crews.

Required Documents:

The required documents for crew accreditation in Pakistan typically include a completed application form, passport copies, ID proofs, proof of professional credentials, equipment list, filming schedule, and a letter of intent from the production company.

Processing Time:

Crew accreditation in Pakistan typically takes around 4-6 weeks to process, but can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the speed of submission of required documents.

Cost:

The cost of crew accreditation in Pakistan typically ranges from $500-$2,000 USD, depending on the type of accreditation, duration of stay, and other factors, with additional fees for expedited processing or other services.

Issuing Organization:

Please note that Pakistan does not issue filming permits.
To shoot in Pakistan, productions must obtain a journalist visa.

If the request involves filming at a port, this is considered a Key Point Location in Pakistan.
For this, the production will need to secure an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Islamabad or from the Home Office.

Required Documents:

N/A

Processing Time:

N/A

Cost:

N/A

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

In Pakistan, a fixer plays a crucial role in arranging private film locations by negotiating with property owners, obtaining necessary permits, and facilitating logistics, often using their local knowledge and connections to secure suitable and accessible locations

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

The cost of a private film location in Pakistan can only be determined after receiving the production schedule, as the fees vary depending on factors such as location, duration of filming, and specific requirements.

Drone Regulations:

In Pakistan, drone regulations require operators to obtain a permit from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Defence, and adhere to rules such as flying below 400 feet, maintaining a 3-mile distance from airports, and not flying over sensitive areas.

Drone Importation Regulations:

In Pakistan, drone importation regulations require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from t he Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of Defense, as well as compliance with customs regulations and payment of applicable duties and taxes.

Permit Issuance:

In Pakistan, drone permits are issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with additional approvals required from the Ministry of Defense and other relevant authorities.

Timing:

The processing time for a drone permit in Pakistan typically takes around 4-6 weeks but can vary depending on the complexity of the application, the type of drone, and the speed of submission of required documents.

Cost:

The cost of a drone permit in Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 10,000 to PKR 50,000 (approximately USD 60-300), depending on the type of permit, drone weight, and duration of the permit.

Carnet Status:

Yes, Pakistan is a Carnet country. The process of a Carnet country involves obtaining a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) document, which is issued by a national automobile association, guaranteeing payment of customs duties if the vehicle is not re-exported within a specified time.

Required Documents:

Film crews entering Pakistan are typically required to present a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a permission letter from the Pakistan Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at customs.

Issuing Organization:

The Pakistan Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), issues the custom clearance for film crews in Pakistan.

Timing:

Custom clearance for film equipment in Pakistan typically takes around 2-5 working days, but can vary depending on the complexity of the shipment and the efficiency of the clearance process.

Cost:

The cost of custom clearance for film crews in Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 50,000 to PKR 200,000 (approximately USD 170-670), depending on the type and value of equipment, as well as other factors.

General Overview:

Pakistan offers a diverse and unique filming experience, with a mix of modern cities, ancient historical sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes, but requires careful planning and coordination due to security, logistical, and bureaucratic considerations.

Security Requirements:

Film crews in Pakistan are typically advised to hire armed security personnel, accompanied by a police escort, and to follow strict security protocols, as recommended by the Pakistan government and local authorities.