Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Sunday the establishment of a 50-acre Punjab Film City in Lahore, describing the project as a major step towards revitalising the country’s media and entertainment industry.
The announcement, shared on the Punjab Government WhatsApp channel, states that the Film City will be developed within the Nawaz Sharif IT city and is being positioned as Pakistan’s first fully “end-to-end” media production hub. According to the chief minister, the initiative aims to support the revival of the film industry through modern technology, infrastructure, and resources.
She said the facility would bring together film, television, animation, and digital media production under one roof, reducing reliance on foreign countries for visual effects (VFX) and post-production work.
The project will include modern studios, sound stages, and post-production laboratories, along with comprehensive shooting facilities. Plans also feature the construction of sets and a central lake to support large-scale productions.
Convention halls will be established to host international events and award shows, while a media trade hub and dedicated film and music schools will also form part of the development.
Maryam Nawaz said the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities and will help promote sectors such as animation, gaming, and digital media.
Describing the Film City as a boost to the creative economy, she said it would provide a platform that brings together talent, technology, and business.
Read: Rs10b seed money allocated for IT city
The project will be completed in phases, with further details expected to be announced in due course.
Nawaz Sharif IT City
The Nawaz Sharif IT City is an 853-acre project near PKLI, with the Punjab government allocating Rs10 billion as seed funding.
It will include an IT and Tech District, Education City, Film City, as well as commercial and residential areas. The first phase will feature the Celestia twin-tower IT building, expected to be completed within 12 months, while full infrastructure development is planned within three years, subject to land transfer and survey completion.
Nespak, in collaboration with an international consultant, will lead the master planning. The land is set to be transferred from Knowledge Park Company to CBD Punjab this month, enabling construction to begin from April.
With an estimated cost of Rs100 billion, the project aims to generate around one million jobs and will include special economic zones to attract local and foreign investment. It will operate under multiple revenue models, including self-generation, joint ventures, and REITs.
The Punjab government has also announced a 10-year tax exemption to encourage investment.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneWeb DeskRead More