Academy Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif here on Wednesday and discussed promotion of film, media and cultural initiatives in the province.
The chief minister appreciated Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s professional achievements and lauded her efforts in highlighting important social issues through documentary filmmaking.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the Punjab Film City project planned in NSIT City and agreed to collaborate on its development.
The chief minister said the project would emerge as Pakistan’s first “end-to-end” media production hub, offering comprehensive facilities for film, television, digital media, visual effects and post-production. She said the project would feature modern studios, sound stages, post-production labs, dedicated shooting locations and a lake, along with a convention hall, media trade hub and a film and music school.
CM Maryam Nawaz also directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to restore the Digital History Museum at Minar-e-Pakistan.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy appreciated the chief minister’s contributions to arts and culture and described her leadership as exemplary, noting that her initiatives were being acknowledged beyond Punjab, including in Karachi. She said the revival of the Basant Festival after decades reflected the chief minister’s vision, adding that prominent Hollywood personalities had shown interest and could be invited in future to promote the festival internationally.
She also welcomed the revival of the Horse and Cattle Show, saying such cultural events provide quality entertainment and strengthen the creative landscape. app
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed solidarity with victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters in Pakistan and across the world.
In her special message on World Day for Earthquake Victims, the CM reaffirmed her commitment to making Punjab more resilient, saying that she shares the grief of thousands of families affected by the devastating 2005 earthquake, adding that the memories of those who lost their lives in the tragedy still remain fresh.
The CM said that improved infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and public awareness were essential to minimize the destructive impacts of natural disasters. She appreciated the inclusion of chapters on natural disasters in the curriculum under the Pakistan School Safety Framework (PSSF), noting it as a commendable step.
The chief minister said that investments were being made in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite modelling, while the use of modern construction technologies can help prevent damage caused by disasters like earthquakes. She added that the Punjab government has taken effective measures for disaster prevention and rehabilitation. Referring to the recent floods in Punjab, she stated that historic work was carried out in record time for the rescue, rehabilitation, and relief of thousands of affected people.
CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz added that effective government measures for disaster prevention help create a sense of security among the public.