CM Maryam, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy discuss Punjab Film City, cultural revival push

• Punjab CM hails Oscar-winning filmmaker’s role in spotlighting social issues, highlights Punjab Film City to be first ‘end-to-end’ media production hub in Pakistan

• Both sides agree on collaboration for NSIT City-based Film City project to feature studios, VFX labs, sound stages, lake and media trade hub

• Academy Award-winning filmmaker lauds CM’s initiatives in fields of arts and culture, Basant revival and Horse & Cattle Show draw international attention

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday appreciated Academy Award-winning Pakistani-origin filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy for her professional achievements and her contribution to highlighting pressing social issues through documentary filmmaking, terming her work highly commendable, according to a DGPR handout.

The chief minister made the remarks during a meeting with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore, where the filmmaker called on her and discussed matters related to arts, culture and media development.

During the meeting, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her initiatives in the fields of arts and culture. Both sides also discussed the proposed Punjab Film City project in NSIT City and agreed to explore avenues of mutual collaboration, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The chief minister said the Punjab Film City would emerge as Pakistan’s first “end-to-end” media production hub, offering integrated facilities for film, television, digital media, VFX and post-production services.

She added that the project would feature modern studios, sound stages, post-production labs, dedicated shooting locations and an artificial lake. “A convention centre, media trade hub, as well as a film and music school, are also part of the project’s design,” the statement quoted the CM Maryam as saying.

The Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to restore the Digital History Museum at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy said the chief minister was undertaking commendable work and described her leadership as exemplary, adding that people in Karachi also acknowledged her efforts.

She further noted that the revival of the Basant Festival after decades was a result of the chief minister’s initiatives, adding that prominent Hollywood personalities had shown interest in the festival and would be formally invited next year to help promote it internationally.

The filmmaker also appreciated the revival of the Horse and Cattle Show in Punjab, saying such cultural festivals provide valuable recreational opportunities for the public.

CM expresses solidarity with earthquake victims worldwide

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed solidarity with victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters in Pakistan and around the world, reaffirming her commitment to building a more resilient Punjab on the occasion of World Day for Earthquake Victims.

In her special message, she said she shared the grief of thousands of families affected by the devastating 2005 earthquake, adding that the memories of those who lost their lives in the tragedy still remain fresh.

She stressed that improved infrastructure, comprehensive planning and public awareness were essential to reducing the destructive impact of natural disasters. She also appreciated the inclusion of natural disaster-related chapters in the curriculum under the Pakistan School Safety Framework (PSSF), calling it a positive step.

The chief minister said the provincial government was investing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite modelling, while modern construction technologies could help reduce damage caused by earthquakes and other disasters.

She added that the Punjab government had taken effective measures for disaster prevention and rehabilitation, and referring to recent floods in the province, said historic relief, rescue and rehabilitation work had been carried out in record time for thousands of affected people.