LAHORE: Punjab’s biggest-ever project to revive the province’s cinematic heritage and establish it as a hub of film, drama, culture and tourism is nearing completion, with preparations finalised for the launch of Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art Film City on December 15 under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The chief minister has approved a rebate of 35 percent for Punjabi films and 20 percent for Urdu films produced in Punjab, in line with her directive to support the local film industry.
Key decisions aimed at reviving the film industry, promoting modern filmmaking and restoring Lahore’s position as a centre of the film industry were approved at the first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The chief minister has also approved the formulation of Pakistan’s first royalty law for the film industry and directed that it be presented at the next meeting of the Punjab Film Authority.
The proposed Film City will feature a film and music school, film museum, film trading house, post-production facility, studio complex, state-of-the-art film studios and Pakistan’s largest convention centre.
The rebate policy is expected to provide financial support to filmmakers, encourage quality film production and attract investment to the film industry.
The meeting also decided to introduce an online one-window facility to help filmmakers identify suitable shooting locations.
The Film City Authority’s budget of over Rs589 million for the financial year 2026-27 was referred to the financing committee for review.
Approval was granted to recruit 26 employees in the first phase against 53 sanctioned posts. The authority’s board will have the power to make appointments and dismissals.
The meeting reviewed progress on the establishment of six committees, including the formation of the Punjab Film Fund Committee.
It also approved measures for the restoration of old cinemas, installation of solar systems and provision of affordable entertainment facilities to the public. The meeting decided to introduce an online booking system for cinemas.
A training programme was also approved to enhance the skills of young filmmakers, with international experts to provide training in modern filmmaking techniques.
Addressing the meeting, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif wanted Punjab to become a global-standard screen tourism destination within five years.
She said Punjab’s unique and valuable culture and rare heritage would be showcased to the world through the camera lens.
“Film City is a complete ecosystem for reviving the film industry, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and providing quality and affordable entertainment to the public,” she said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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