Punjab Assembly passes Film City bill amid uproar

In a charged session marked by sharp exchanges, the Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Film City Authority Bill 2026, a move championed by the treasury as a vital step towards economic growth and cultural revitalization. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb presented the bill, asserting its potential to breathe new life into Pakistan's struggling film industry, generate employment opportunities, and significantly boost tourism. However, the opposition voiced strong dissent, raising concerns that the project would siphon funds away from critical sectors such as health and education. Opposition member Ijaz Shafi specifically criticized the government's "misplaced priorities," alleging budget cuts in education and health to finance the film city. He also questioned the haste in passing legislation, hinting at potential political instability. Minister Aurangzeb forcefully refuted these claims, labeling them "baseless and misleading." She provided figures indicating substantial increases in the education budget, from Rs30 billion to Rs130 billion, and a significant rise in the health development budget to approximately Rs100 billion. She emphasized the government's commitment to record funding across various sectors, including agriculture, with expanded farmer support programs. Aurangzeb highlighted that the film city initiative is more than just about movies; it's about fostering an entire economic ecosystem. She pointed to the global success of the screen production industry, a sector where Pakistan has historically lagged due to inadequate infrastructure. The bill, she argued, is poised to address this deficit and enhance Pakistan's global image and 'screen tourism.' Despite the government's defense, opposition members like Waqas Mann and Shoaib Amir continued to press for accountability on public spending and questioned the governance priorities, especially with millions of children out of school and persistent infrastructure challenges. Concerns were also raised about the limited time allocated for reviewing the bill and the need for broader consultation with industry stakeholders. The proceedings were repeatedly disrupted by interruptions and slogan chanting, underscoring the deep divisions over the bill's merits and the government's focus.

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This is not just about films; it is about an entire economic ecosystem. Globally, screen production is a billion-dollar industry. Pakistan has lagged behind due to lack of infrastructure. This bill will change that.