A major step has been taken to revive Punjab’s film industry, with the inauguration of a Film City equipped with modern facilities scheduled for December 15.
The Punjab government has taken important decisions to reactivate the province’s film industry and once again make Lahore a centre of filmmaking.
At the first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, various projects were approved to promote modern filmmaking, investment in the film sector, and provide better facilities to artists.
On the directions of the Punjab chief minister, it has been decided to provide a 35 per cent rebate on Punjabi films and a 20 per cent rebate on Urdu films produced in the province. The aim of this initiative is to encourage local filmmakers and promote Pakistan’s film industry.
The meeting also approved the preparation of Punjab’s and Pakistan’s first royalty law. The draft of this law will be presented at the next meeting of the Punjab Film Authority.
Under the project, approval has also been granted to establish a Film and Music School, Film Trading House, post-production facility, studio complex, modern film studios, and Pakistan’s largest convention centre.
The Film City Authority’s budget of more than Rs589 million for the financial year 2026-27 has been sent to the Financing Committee for review. Of the authority’s 53 posts, approval has been granted to recruit 26 people in the first phase. The board will have the authority to make appointments and dismissals.
The meeting also reviewed the formation of the Punjab Film Fund Committee, the establishment of six different committees, and measures related to the restoration of old cinemas. The government has also approved plans to install solar systems in cinemas and provide entertainment facilities to the public at lower prices.
The government hopes that the establishment of the modern Film City will promote filmmaking in Punjab, create new employment opportunities, and enable Lahore to once again secure a prominent position in Pakistan’s film industry.
