Punjab plans first film royalty law and approves rebates for films
Punjab has announced plans for what it calls Pakistan's first royalty law for the film industry. The decision came at the first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority in Lahore.
- Royalty law to be presented at the Punjab Film Authority's next meeting
- Punjabi films get a 35 per cent rebate, Urdu films 20 per cent
- Film City in Lahore to be inaugurated on December 15
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced plans to introduce what is described as Pakistan's first royalty law for the film industry, aimed at protecting the rights of artists. The announcement came at the first meeting of the Punjab Film Authority in Lahore, chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
According to the plan, the royalty law will be presented at the authority's next meeting. It is expected to set out a formal framework for royalties in the film industry.
The provincial government also approved a rebate policy for films made in Punjab. Punjabi-language films will receive a 35 per cent rebate, while Urdu-language productions will qualify for a 20 per cent rebate. The aim is to reduce production costs and attract investors.
The meeting also decided to set up an online one-window facility to help filmmakers find shooting locations across Punjab and obtain permits. The authority reviewed progress on forming six committees, including the Punjab Film Fund Committee.
Punjab is preparing to inaugurate a Film City in Lahore on December 15. It is planned to include a film and music school, a film museum, a film trading house, post-production facilities, a studio complex and what is planned to be Pakistan's largest convention centre.
The Film City Authority's proposed budget of more than Rs589 million for 2026-27 was referred to the financing committee. Recruitment of 26 employees in the first phase, against 53 sanctioned posts, was approved, and the authority's board will have the power to appoint and dismiss staff.
Plans were also approved to restore old cinemas, install solar energy systems and introduce an online cinema booking system. A training programme for young filmmakers was approved, with international experts to teach modern filmmaking techniques.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said Maryam Nawaz wants Punjab to become a global-standard screen tourism destination within five years, with its culture and heritage presented to international audiences through films.
Why it matters
Film artists, producers and workers in Punjab could be affected by the planned royalty framework and the rebates for Punjabi and Urdu films.
