Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz’s announcement that the Punjab Government is planning to build a 50-acre Film City in Lahore has drawn a wave of mixed reactions online, with supporters welcoming the initiative and critics questioning its priorities.

Maryam took to X to share the announcement, writing that the project took shape nearly two years ago through consultations with filmmakers, producers and actors.

She described it as an effort to build a complete, sovereign, end-to-end pipeline for content creation in Pakistan.

The facility will include world-class studios and sound stages, advanced VFX and post-production laboratories, diverse backlots with a central lake, and a purpose-built convention hall for international award shows.

It will also house integrated media trade hubs, a film and music school, dedicated safety and emergency response infrastructure, and an entertainment district.

“By reducing reliance on foreign production services, this initiative will empower local talent, create thousands of jobs, and position Pakistan as a global hub for creative excellence,” she wrote. “Our vision is to transform Punjab into a global destination for technology, innovation, heritage and culture. Punjab Film City is a gift to our youth and artists, a space where their dreams can take flight and the true, vibrant face of Pakistan is showcased to the world.”

Many social media users backed the project, calling it a long-overdue step for Pakistan’s struggling film industry.

“It’s actually a much needed and remarkable development if things don’t get shaky as they always tend to in our broken political landscape and infrastructure,” one user wrote. Another simply said, “Commendable!!”

One user urged the CM to bring living legends into the fold. “Well done Maryam. Try to involve living legends actors like Nadeem, Shahid, Zeba, Barbra, Nisho, and directors, singers etc. They’ll act as bridges between generations. The real revival happens when legends are used as launchpads not crutches,” they wrote.

Others pointed to the broader rot in the industry. “The Pakistani film industry has been in decline for several decades; special attention and funding from the government could revive the fortunes of this film industry, which is taking its last breaths,” a user noted.

However, a vocal section of users pushed back hard, arguing the funds should go toward more pressing needs.

“Worst decision ever. You should invest this money in health and education of Punjab,” one person wrote.

Another added: “People need police and judicial reforms, better railway and easy commute, jobs, business friendly environment, state of art health facilities, education. Poverty is increasing day by day in our country, while our CM is spending tax payers money on entertainment things.”

Some raised concerns about relevance and timing. “World is moving to AI based studios. Wrong timing. No need for such a big investment at this time,” one comment pointed out, while another called it a “perfect example of misuse of public funds,” arguing that a technology city would have been a better investment.