LAHORE: In a significant move to rejuvenate the cinematic landscape of Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sanctioned Pakistan’s inaugural royalty law for the film industry, alongside the province’s largest undertaking to establish a state-of-the-art Film City. This initiative, aimed at reinstating Lahore as a pivotal cultural and film hub, is set to launch on December 15.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the chief minister has approved substantial rebates for local film production, offering a 35 percent rebate for Punjabi films and a 20 percent rebate for Urdu films produced in Punjab. These measures were ratified during the initial meeting of the Punjab Film Authority, led by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, as part of a strategy to bolster the local film industry and promote contemporary filmmaking practices.

The proposed Film City will encompass a comprehensive range of facilities, including a film and music school, a museum, a trading house, a post-production facility, an expansive studio complex, and Pakistan’s largest convention center. Financial incentives are expected to enhance film quality and attract investment, while an online one-window facility will assist filmmakers in scouting suitable shooting locations.

The Film City Authority’s budget, exceeding Rs589 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year, has been submitted for review. Initial recruitment of 26 employees has been approved, with the authority’s board granted powers over appointments and dismissals. The meeting also outlined plans for cinema renovation, solar system installations, and affordable entertainment provisions, alongside the introduction of an online cinema booking system.

A training program was approved to develop young filmmakers’ skills, with international experts slated to impart modern filmmaking techniques. Minister Aurangzeb emphasized the chief minister’s vision of transforming Punjab into a global-standard screen tourism destination, highlighting the region’s unique cultural heritage.

“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 stated.