Punjab Film City in Lahore Announced by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz

LAHORE – The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has officially shared a major update regarding the future of entertainment and technology in Pakistan. Through an announcement on X, the Chief Minister revealed the plans for the Punjab Film City in Lahore.

This project is a 50-acre development designed to be the first “end-to-end” media production hub in the country. It is a central part of the larger Nawaz Sharif IT City, a massive 853-acre project located near the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI). This initiative represents a huge investment in the creative youth of Pakistan, with a total cost of approximately Rs 100 billion for the entire IT City.

The announcement marks a shift in how the provincial government views the creative arts. For a long time, the local film industry faced many challenges, such as old equipment and a lack of professional editing spaces.

By launching this Film City, the government aims to solve these problems. The project is designed to bring every part of the filmmaking process from writing and shooting to editing and sound design into one single location. To ensure the project starts smoothly, the government has already provided Rs. 10 billion in seed funding. This money will help build the basic foundations and attract international partners to Lahore.

The Location and Infrastructure of the New Media Hub

The choice of location for the Punjab Film City is very intentional. By placing it inside the Nawaz Sharif IT City, the government is creating a space where technology and art live together. Filmmakers will be close to software developers, digital animators, and data experts.

This is important because modern movies rely heavily on computers and digital tools. The land for this project is being transferred this month, in April 2026, from the Knowledge Park Company to the Central Business District (CBD) Punjab.

The CBD Punjab is known for finishing large construction projects quickly, which gives people hope that the Film City will be ready on time.

The infrastructure planned for this 50-acre site is meant to be world-class. One of the most interesting features is the central artificial lake. This lake is not just for decoration; it is designed to be a filming location for water scenes, which are usually very expensive to shoot. Surrounding the lake will be large convention halls.

These halls are built to host international film festivals and award shows. The government wants Lahore to become a regional center for media, similar to cities like Dubai. By having these facilities, Pakistan can invite international filmmakers to use our studios, which brings foreign money into the local economy.

In addition to the lake, the site will feature various “backlots.” A backlot is an outdoor area where sets are built to look like different places. For example, one area might look like an old street in Lahore, while another looks like a modern European city.

This allows directors to shoot many different types of stories without having to travel to other countries. This saves a lot of money for production houses and allows them to spend more on the quality of the acting and the story. The wider IT City will also provide high-speed internet and consistent electricity, which are essential for any digital work.

Economic Impact and Tax Benefits for Investors

The Punjab Film City is not just about entertainment; it is a major economic engine. The government has declared this area a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This is a very important technical detail for anyone looking to start a business there.

Investors who set up studios or media offices in the Film City will receive a 10-year tax exemption. This means for ten years, they can keep more of their profits to buy better equipment or hire more workers. This tax holiday is designed to attract large international media companies to open offices in Lahore, which will create even more opportunities for local workers.

The creation of jobs is one of the most exciting parts of this announcement. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created. Direct jobs include roles like camera operators, sound engineers, and film directors. Indirect jobs include people who work in catering, transport, construction, and security for the film sets.

Additionally, the broader IT City initiative is expected to support nearly one million jobs in total over the next few years. For young people in Punjab, this provides a clear career path in modern industries like digital media, 3D animation, and gaming.

As the construction begins this month, the vision shared by CM Maryam Nawaz on X is starting to become a reality. The project aims to modernize the local media industry and give Pakistani stories a global platform. By offering tax breaks, high-tech labs, and specialized schools, the Punjab Film City is building a complete system for success.

It is a long term plan that will take about three years for full infrastructure rollout, but the impact on Pakistan’s economy and culture will be felt for many years to come. This project is a bold step toward making Lahore a global leader in the creative economy.