"Cinema and City: The Ayub Years" by Kamran Asdar Ali is an article that explores the relationship

between cinema and urbanization in Pakistan during the presidency of Ayub Khan in the 1960s.

The article begins by describing the rapid urbanization that occurred during Ayub's regime, as well as
the accompanying rise of a middle class with disposable income and leisure time. This, in turn, led to
the growth of the film industry in Pakistan, with Lahore becoming a major centre for film production.

Ali then delves into the themes and motifs that were prevalent in Pakistani cinema during this time,
including modernization, consumerism, and a fascination with Western culture. He also notes the
ways in which the government attempted to shape the content of films to promote its own agenda,
such as encouraging a positive image of the military and discouraging political dissent.

The article concludes by reflecting on the broader significance of this era of Pakistani cinema,
arguing that it represented a moment of cultural ferment and experimentation that was ultimately
stifled by the repressive policies of subsequent governments. Ali suggests that studying the
relationship between cinema and urbanization during the Ayub years can provide valuable insights
into the social and cultural transformations that have shaped modern Pakistan.

Overall, "Cinema and City: The Ayub Years" is an insightful and engaging analysis of an important
period in Pakistani cultural history, highlighting the complex interplay between cinema, politics, and
urbanization in the 1960s.