Punjab’s first state-of-the-art film city is ready for inauguration on 15 December.
Punjabi films made in Punjab will receive a 35 per cent rebate and Urdu films 20 per cent.
The chief minister approved Punjab and Pakistan’s first royalty law for the film industry.
The Film City Authority’s budget of more than Rs 589 million has been sent to the finance committee.

LAHORE: Punjab’s first state-of-the-art film city is ready for inauguration on 15 December, with preparations complete under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for film, drama, culture and tourism.

The first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, approved decisions in line with the Chief Minister‘s vision to revive the film industry, promote modern filmmaking and make Lahore the centre of the film industry again.

The chief minister approved a rebate of 35 per cent for Punjabi films and 20 per cent for Urdu films made in Punjab. Officials said the rebate policy will provide financial support to filmmakers, encourage quality films and promote investment in the industry.

The chief minister also approved Punjab and Pakistan’s first royalty law for the film industry. The law will be presented at the next meeting of the Punjab Film Authority.

Approval was also given for a film and music school, a film museum, a film trading house, a post-production facility, a studio complex, state-of-the-art film studios and Pakistan’s biggest convention centre.

The meeting decided to introduce an online one-window system to help filmmakers select the best shooting locations.

The Film City Authority’s budget of more than Rs 589 million for the financial year 2026-27 was referred to the finance committee for review.

The meeting approved the recruitment of 26 people in the first phase against 53 posts of the Film City Authority. The power of recruitment and dismissal will rest with the board.

Progress on the formation of six committees and the Punjab Film Fund Committee was also reviewed.

The meeting approved the restoration of old cinemas, the installation of solar systems and the provision of low-cost entertainment facilities to the public. It was also decided that cinema booking systems will be made online.

The meeting approved a training programme to polish the skills of young filmmakers. International experts will train young filmmakers in modern filmmaking.

Addressing the meeting, Maryam Aurangzeb said the chief minister wants Punjab to become a centre of world-class screen tourism within five years.

Through the camera’s eye, we will show the whole world Punjab’s unique and precious culture and rare heritage, Maryam Aurangzeb said.

Maryam Aurangzeb said the film city is a complete ecosystem for the revival of the film industry, investment, employment and the provision of quality and affordable entertainment to the public.