CM Maryam unveils Rs2b film revival push, plans 50-acre Film City in Lahore

• Punjab CM announces ‘Punjab Film City’ in Nawaz Sharif IT City Aim to build Pakistan’s first end-to-end digital media production hub

• Says project to feature studios, VFX labs, sound stages and central lake, highlighting Rs2b fund allocated for revival of long-declining film industry

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday announced the establishment of a “Punjab Film City” spanning 50 acres in Nawaz Sharif IT City, Lahore, describing it as Pakistan’s first fully integrated “end-to-end” media production hub.

In a post on her X account, the chief minister said the project aims to revive Pakistan’s film industry through modern technology, advanced facilities and integrated production resources.

Big announcement: Punjab to establish a 50 acre , first of its kind #PunjabFilmCity in Lahore bringing the glory of filmmaking back to Lahore and Punjab.

Conceived nearly two years ago and shaped through continuous consultations with filmmakers, producers, and actors, this… pic.twitter.com/E9mwLb0lJh

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) April 26, 2026

She said state-of-the-art infrastructure for film, television, animation and digital media would be provided under one roof, making the project a comprehensive creative ecosystem.

According to the statement, facilities for visual effects (VFX) and post-production will be developed locally within the Film City to reduce dependence on foreign services.

The project will also include modern studios, sound stages and post-production laboratories, along with comprehensive shooting facilities, purpose-built sets and a central lake, she added.

She further stated that convention halls will be constructed to host international events and award ceremonies, while a media trade hub, as well as film and music schools, will also be part of the initiative.

The chief minister said the project would generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while boosting growth in animation, gaming and digital media sectors.

Describing it as a major step toward strengthening the creative economy, she said the Film City would bring together talent, technology and business on a single platform. The project will be completed in phases, with further details to be announced later.

Rs2 billion fund allocated for film sector revival

In a related development, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that, in line with the chief minister’s vision, “revolutionary measures” are being implemented to revive the long-declining film industry.

She said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, a substantial fund of Rs2 billion has been allocated for the revival of the sector.

Sharing details of initiatives by the Information and Culture Department, she said work had begun on a world-class “Lahore Film City” being developed on international standards.

The project will include state-of-the-art laboratories, enabling filmmakers to complete editing and post-production locally and eliminate the need to travel abroad.

She said that following a rigorous screening process, 32 individuals have been selected for film production. Each filmmaker will receive Rs30 million per film, with Rs15 million to be released at the script submission stage and the remaining amount upon completion. Selected filmmakers will be given one year to complete their projects.

To further encourage the industry, she said the government has also approved a 25% bonus on box office earnings for filmmakers.

Applications from new filmmakers will be invited in the upcoming fiscal year starting in June, while five exceptionally talented young individuals will also receive special funding for film projects.

She added that to reduce operational costs and support cinema owners, cinemas across Punjab will be converted to solar energy systems.