Punjab approves 35% rebates for Punjabi films and 20% for Urdu productions, while planning a royalty law and Film City to revive cinema and attract investment.
Webdesk- Amina Houth
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the introduction of Pakistan’s first royalty law for the film industry and approved financial rebates for Punjabi and Urdu films produced in the province to revive local cinema and attract investment.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced the decisions while chairing the inaugural meeting of the Punjab Film Authority in Lahore. According to an official press release issued on Sunday, the proposed royalty law will be presented at the authority’s next meeting.
Under the approved policy, filmmakers producing Punjabi films in Punjab will receive a 35 per cent rebate, while Urdu film productions will qualify for a 20 per cent rebate. The initiative aims to reduce production costs, encourage quality filmmaking and attract investment to the provincial entertainment industry.
The meeting also decided to establish an online one-window facility to help filmmakers identify suitable shooting locations and simplify production procedures across the province.
As part of the broader initiative, a Film City is scheduled to be inaugurated in Lahore on December 15. The project aims to restore Lahore’s position as a major centre of Pakistan’s film industry and promote filmmaking, cultural activities and tourism.
The proposed Film City will include a film and music school, a film museum, a film trading house, post-production facilities, a studio complex, modern film studios and Pakistan’s largest convention centre.
The Film City Authority’s budget of more than Rs589 million for the financial year 2026-27 was referred to the financing committee for review. The meeting also approved the recruitment of 26 employees in the first phase against 53 sanctioned positions.
Officials reviewed progress on establishing six committees, including the Punjab Film Fund Committee. Measures were also approved to restore old cinemas, install solar energy systems and provide affordable entertainment facilities. An online cinema booking system will also be introduced.
To improve professional skills, the authority approved a training programme for young filmmakers, with international experts expected to provide instruction in modern filmmaking techniques.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said Maryam Nawaz wanted Punjab to become a global-standard screen tourism destination within five years. She added that Film City would support the revival of the local film industry, attract investment, create employment opportunities and showcase Punjab’s culture and heritage internationally.
The initiatives are intended to strengthen film production, support local talent and expand cultural tourism, although their long-term impact will depend on effective implementation and sustained investment.
