Pakistan-Iran cinematic collaboration eyed as Punjab announces Film City project

• Info Minister Azma Bokhari proposes joint feature film on Allama Iqbal with Iranian filmmakers
• Says draft plan for joint Quran recitation competitions to be shared with Iranian Consulate
• IRIB offers expertise, invites Pakistani filmmakers to Iran’s advanced Film City

LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Saturday highlighted the growing potential for cultural and cinematic collaboration between Pakistan and Iran, suggesting that filmmakers from both countries could jointly produce a world-class feature film on the life and philosophy of Allama Iqbal.

The minister also announced the Punjab government’s approval for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Film City, with work on the project set to begin soon, opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation in media and arts.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Iranian Consul General in Lahore, Minister Bokhari said that the possibility of Iranian collaboration in the Film City project will be formally presented before the Film City Committee. She noted that the Institute of Development and Planning (IDAP) has already completed the design for the ambitious initiative.

وزیر اطلاعات پنجاب عظمیٰ بخاری کی جانب سے
ایرانی وفد کے اعزاز میں عشائیے کا اہتمام کیا گیا۔۔۔

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“Pakistani producers are eager to bring Iqbal’s vision to the big screen, and Iran, with its cinematic expertise, can play a key role in this co-production venture,” she said.

The minister further urged Iranian investors to consider setting up display centers for Iranian carpets in Punjab, citing strong market demand and significant investment opportunities in this sector.

The dinner was attended by a high-level Iranian delegation, including Dr. Ahmad Noroozi, Director for Overseas Affairs, Abbas Mohammadnejad, Murtaza Shamsi, and Ali Mohammed Nafchi. Pakistani officials present included Secretary Information Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Additional Secretary Culture Muhammad Nawaz, Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed, and DGPR Fareed Ahmed. During the event, Minister Bokhari presented shields to members of the Iranian delegation in recognition of their partnership and engagement.

She also shared that a draft plan for Quran recitation competitions is being prepared for the upcoming Ramadan and will be shared with the Iranian Consulate to ensure joint cultural collaboration, following the model of previous cooperative events such as the joint observance of Iqbal Day.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Ahmad Noroozi highlighted Iran’s advanced cinematic infrastructure, noting that IRIB owns the country’s largest and most modern Film City, equipped with trained professionals and cutting-edge facilities. He offered full cooperation for the Punjab Film City project and invited Pakistani filmmakers and officials to visit IRIB’s Film City in Iran to explore best practices and technical expertise.

Dr. Noroozi also expressed IRIB’s readiness to support Quran recitation competitions and emphasized that mutual exchange of delegations, knowledge, and cultural initiatives between Iran and Punjab is essential to strengthen ties in film, media, and broader cultural development.