Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the formation of a 29-member steering committee aimed at revitalizing the film industry and addressing the challenges faced by artists, with the goal of reestablishing Lahore as the hub of Pakistan’s film industry. Senior PML-N leader Senator Pervaiz Rashid will serve as the chief minister’s representative on the committee, while Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has been appointed as the committee’s convener. The committee also includes Information Minister Azma Bokhari, provincial secretaries from the information, tourism, and finance departments, as well as prominent figures from the film and arts sectors.
The committee’s primary tasks will include developing a roadmap for the establishment of a state-of-the-art film city, a modern film academy, and a technologically advanced film lab, along with enhancing the overall film infrastructure in the province. Additionally, the committee will work towards creating the Punjab Film Fund and formulating proposals and a comprehensive policy to promote the film industry.
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Maryam Nawaz has instructed the committee to submit a set of recommendations within 15 days, concentrating on measures to promote film and the arts in Punjab. A key objective of the committee will be to implement an artist welfare system that provides health insurance, social security, and welfare benefits for artists, alongside a plan for developing a housing society specifically for industry professionals.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the committee will also prepare plans for establishing centers for artistic expression and initiatives aimed at promoting art and supporting emerging talent. Furthermore, the committee will propose policies to increase the number of cinema houses throughout Punjab and offer special incentives for investors in the film sector. An official notification for the formation of the steering committee has been issued by the principal secretary to the chief minister.
