Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy met Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Lahore, where both discussed the Punjab Film City project and agreed to cooperate on promoting film, culture and media production in the province.
During the meeting, the chief minister appreciated Sharmeen’s professional achievements, skills and contribution to documentary filmmaking.
CM Maryam welcomed Sharmeen and praised her work as an Oscar-winning filmmaker and journalist. She appreciated Sharmeen’s professional expertise and said her work in highlighting social issues through journalistic documentary filmmaking was commendable.
The chief minister also acknowledged her services to art, culture and media.
Tribute to Punjab govt's cultural efforts
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy paid tribute to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her services to art and culture. She said the CM was doing “a very good job” and described her leadership as exemplary.
Sharmeen added that people in Karachi were also appreciating Maryam Nawaz’s work.
Punjab Film City project
The meeting included detailed discussion on the Punjab Film City project at NSIT City. Both sides agreed to cooperate on the project, which is being planned as a major media and entertainment production hub.
Maryam said the Punjab Film City project will become Pakistan’s first “end-to-end” media production hub.
According to the chief minister, the film city will provide facilities for film, television, digital media, visual effects and post-production. The project will include modern studios, sound stages, post-production labs and shooting locations.
Shooting spots and lakes will also be developed as part of the media production city.
Maryam Nawaz said a convention hall will also be built in Punjab Film City. The project will include a media trade hub to support business activity in the film and media industry.
A film and music school is also being established to train new talent and strengthen Pakistan’s creative sector.
During the meeting, CM Maryam also directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority to restore Minar-e-Pakistan and the Digital History Museum. The directive is part of broader efforts to preserve cultural and historical sites in Punjab.
Basant Festival revival praised
Sharmeen praised the revival of Basant in Punjab after decades. She said the festival was held again because of the efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to Sharmeen, prominent Hollywood personalities have also expressed interest in Basant.
Sharmeen said a Hollywood star will be invited next year to introduce Basant on a global scale. She said the step could help present Punjab’s culture to the world and promote Pakistan’s soft image internationally.
The filmmaker also said Hollywood personalities would be invited regularly in the future to highlight the festival globally.
Horse and cattle show revival
Sharmeen also appreciated the revival of horse and cattle shows in Punjab. She said such fairs provide quality entertainment opportunities to the public.
The revival of cultural festivals and public events, she added, is a positive step for promoting art, culture and community life in the province.
Punjab aims to strengthen creative economy
The meeting highlighted Punjab’s plans to develop a modern creative economy through investment in film, media, music and cultural infrastructure.
With the Punjab Film City project, the provincial government aims to provide production facilities, training opportunities and a platform for local and international collaboration.
The project is expected to support filmmakers, television producers, digital media professionals, VFX artists and young creative talent across Pakistan.
