Lahore: Punjab has announced the development of a 50-acre Film City in Lahore as part of the broader Nawaz Sharif IT City project, positioning it as a central component of the province’s expanding digital and creative infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who described the initiative as a step toward modernising Pakistan’s film, television and digital media industries through integrated production facilities and technology-driven workflows.
The Film City will be developed within the 853-acre IT City complex, which is planned as a multi-sector urban and technology hub. Officials say the media complex is designed as Pakistan’s first integrated or “end-to-end” production ecosystem, bringing together film, television, animation and digital content creation under one framework.
The project is expected to consolidate the entire production chain locally, reducing reliance on foreign facilities for post-production services and visual effects (VFX). Planned infrastructure includes modern studios, sound stages, post-production laboratories, dedicated shooting spaces, constructed sets, and a central lake for large-scale productions.
Beyond production facilities, the development will also feature convention halls for international events and award shows, a media trade hub, and specialised institutions for film and music education aimed at developing a structured talent pipeline for the industry.
Officials estimate that the Film City will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with additional spillover effects expected in animation, gaming, and broader digital media sectors.
The Film City is part of the larger Nawaz Sharif IT City programme, which carries an estimated cost of Rs100 billion and is projected to create around one million jobs across multiple zones, including IT and tech districts, education facilities, commercial areas, and residential developments.
According to project details, PKR 10 billion has already been allocated as seed funding, with phased development underway. The first phase includes the Celestia twin-tower IT building, targeted for completion within 12 months, while overall infrastructure rollout is expected within three years, subject to land transfer and survey completion.
Planning work is being carried out by Nespak in collaboration with an international consultant. Land transfer from Knowledge Park Company to CBD Punjab is expected this month, enabling construction activity to begin.
The project will be executed through mixed financing models, including joint ventures, self-generation, and REIT-based structures, alongside a proposed 10-year tax exemption aimed at attracting private investment.
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