Islamabad: In a structural revision to movie clearance protocols, Indian Punjabi films will now be required to pass through the Central Film Censor Board before being evaluated by provincial censor bodies. The decision establishes a mandatory federal level preliminary screening step for cross border cinema before regional distribution can proceed.

Under the updated regulatory framework, provincial censor boards are strictly prohibited from directly reviewing or approving Indian feature films. Instead, all submitted titles must first secure official clearance from the central authority, after which provincial boards can conduct their secondary reviews for final local exhibition.

The change aims to create a unified, centralised vetting process for Indian Punjabi films across the country, ensuring consistent content scrutiny before these releases reach commercial cinema halls in any province.