LAHORE — Punjab is moving to establish a 50-acre film city in Lahore as part of efforts to revive Pakistan’s media and entertainment sector and expand local production capacity. The project, announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, will be developed within the Nawaz Sharif IT City and aims to create a central hub for film, television, animation, and digital content.
Officials said the planned facility will bring end-to-end production under one location, reducing reliance on foreign countries for post-production and visual effects. The initiative is positioned as a step toward strengthening the country’s creative economy and supporting modern media infrastructure.
Modern production hub and facilities
The proposed film city will include advanced studios, sound stages, and post-production labs, along with purpose-built sets for large-scale productions. Plans also feature a central lake, convention halls for events and award ceremonies, and dedicated spaces for media trade and collaboration.
Specialised film and music schools are also part of the project to support training and skill development within the industry.
Economic impact and job creation
Authorities said the project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while boosting sectors such as animation, gaming, and digital media. It is also intended to attract both local and international investment into Pakistan’s media sector.
Linked to broader IT city development
The film city will be part of the larger Nawaz Sharif IT City, an 853-acre development near PKLI. The Punjab government has allocated Rs10 billion as seed funding for the project, which also includes an IT district, education city, and mixed-use commercial and residential zones.
Officials said the first phase will feature the Celestia twin-tower IT building, expected within a year, while full infrastructure development is planned over three years. The broader project, estimated at Rs100 billion, aims to create large-scale employment opportunities and drive economic activity.
The government has also announced a 10-year tax exemption to encourage investment, with the project to be executed in phases.
Today's E-Paper