Pakistan’s film industry has achieved another notable milestone with Welcome to Punjab earning the Best Audience Award at the Baku Cinema Breeze Film Festival in Azerbaijan. The festival, which ran from December 7 to 10, showcased films from multiple countries and included a special segment for Pakistani cinema.
During the event, three Pakistani films were featured as part of the festival’s programming, and Welcome to Punjab stood out, capturing the hearts of viewers and securing the top audience honour. The film was produced by Safdar Malik and directed by Shehzad Rafiq, and its reception at Baku highlights its appeal beyond local audiences.
Officials and members of the Pakistani delegation described the win as a sign of the growing global influence of the country’s filmmakers and storytellers. The award adds to a series of international recognitions for Pakistani cinema this year, reinforcing its expanding presence on the world stage.
Earlier in 2025, films from Pakistan had already won accolades at other festivals, including awards for editing and critical acclaim at events in China and Russia. Representatives from Pakistan’s media and film policy institutions noted that these successes reflect the rising quality and reach of the nation’s creative works worldwide.
