LAHORE: Preparations for Punjab’s first modern film city have been completed, with its inauguration scheduled for December 15, according to ARY News.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb chaired the inaugural meeting of the Punjab Film Authority on Sunday, where officials approved several initiatives aimed at reviving the film industry, modernising production facilities and restoring Lahore’s position as a major centre of Pakistani cinema.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the drafting of Pakistan’s first royalty law for artists and directed that the proposed legislation be presented at the authority’s next meeting.
The meeting also approved plans to establish a film and music school, a film trading house, post-production facilities, a studio complex equipped with modern soundstages and a large convention centre.
Aurangzeb directed officials to present a film rebate framework at the next meeting, saying the proposed policy would provide financial support to filmmakers and improve production quality.
A single-window online platform will also be introduced to help filmmakers identify suitable filming locations.
Meanwhile, a proposed budget of Rs589 million for the Film City Authority was referred to the finance committee for review. The authority also approved the recruitment of 26 people against 53 vacant positions in the first phase, with hiring and dismissal powers assigned to its board.
The meeting reviewed progress on establishing the Punjab Film Fund Committee and six specialised subcommittees.
Plans to restore old cinema halls, install solar power systems, introduce online ticketing and organise training programmes for young filmmakers with international experts were also approved.
Aurangzeb said Maryam Nawaz aims to transform Punjab into an international hub for screen tourism within five years, showcasing the province’s cultural heritage and attracting wider global attention.