The Punjab government will provide 35 percent financial assistance to films produced in the province in Punjabi, the local language. Urdu films will receive a 20 percent rebate. The decisions were made at the first meeting of the newly formed Punjab Film City Authority (PFCA), chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also approved the drafting of Pakistan’s first royalty law for the film industry. The proposed law will be presented at the next meeting of the PFCA.
The Punjab government claims the decision will reduce costs for filmmakers and encourage the production of local films.
It also said Punjab’s biggest-ever project to revive the province’s cinematic heritage and establish it as a hub of film, drama, culture and tourism is nearing completion. The government has finalised preparations for the launch of Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art Film City on December 15.
The meeting approved key decisions aimed at reviving the film industry. And promoting modern filmmaking and restoring Lahore’s position as a centre of the film industry.
Punjab Film City Authority and Projects:
The proposed Film City will feature a film and music school, film museum. Film trading house, post-production facility, studio complex. And state-of-the-art film studios and Pakistan’s largest convention centre.
The rebate policy to Punjabi and Urdu films will provide financial support to filmmakers. And encourage quality film production, attracting investment to the film industry.
The meeting also decided to introduce an online one-window facility to help filmmakers identify suitable shooting locations.
The Punjab Film City Authority’s budget of over Rs589 million for the financial year 2026-27 was referred to the financing committee for review.
It also granted approval to recruit 26 employees in the first phase against 53 sanctioned posts. The authority’s board will hold the power to make appointments and dismissals.
The meeting reviewed progress on the establishment of six committees, including the formation of the Punjab Film Fund Committee.
It also approved measures for the restoration of old cinemas, and installation of solar systems. The meeting approved provision of affordable entertainment facilities to the public. It decided to introduce an online booking system for cinemas.
The PFCA meeting also approved a training programme to enhance the skills of young filmmakers. International experts will provide training in modern filmmaking techniques.
