PA passes Punjab Film City Bill 2026 amid heated debate and opposition uproar

The Punjab Film Authority Bill 2026, aimed at reviving the province’s film and creative industry, triggered a lively debate in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, marked by heated exchanges, political points and procedural objections, before being passed by a majority.

Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb introduced the bill in the House, presenting it as a long-term policy initiative aimed at rebuilding what she called the “collapsed” film industry. She told lawmakers that Pakistan had failed to develop its film tourism and film production capacity over the decades, which had damaged the country’s global image and deprived artists of opportunities.

She said the proposed authority would establish a modern film city spread over a significant area, including film schools, music academies, production houses and supporting infrastructure to create jobs and generate revenue.

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Aurangzeb pointed out that the bill had already gone through the standing committee process and was supported by detailed planning over the last year and a half under provincial leadership.

She rejected opposition claims that priorities were misplaced, saying the government had significantly increased spending in key sectors.

According to her, the education budget increased from 30 billion rupees to 130 billion rupees, the health development budget was multiplied and agricultural initiatives such as farmer cards and the distribution of thousands of tractors reflect strong support for the rural economy.

She accused the opposition of “misleading the House” and presenting incorrect figures.

The opposition, however, launched a sharp criticism led by Mian Ejaz Shafi and other lawmakers, who questioned both the intent and urgency of the bill.

They argued that at a time when around 25 million children were out of school and public services were facing serious challenges, allocating resources to a film city project was unjustified.

Opposition members alleged that funds were effectively diverted from the education and health sectors and described the move as a misplacement of priorities.

Several opposition MPs also criticized the legislative process, saying the bill was introduced and pushed through without sufficient time to review it. Some members pointed out that the draft had only recently been shared, limiting meaningful debate.

They demanded broader consultation, particularly with those in the film and arts community, many of whom, they claim, are unaware of the details of the bill.

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The session was marked by repeated disruptions as political rhetoric intensified.

Opposition members made sarcastic and personal remarks targeting political leaders, including comments about senior officials’ interest in music and cinema, which drew strong reactions from the Treasury benches.

PA President Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan intervened repeatedly, ordering such remarks to be erased from the official record and urging members to limit their speeches to the bill.

Treasury members, including Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and others, defended the government’s position, arguing that personal attacks were inappropriate and that the opposition should engage constructively on policy.

Government lawmakers argued that reviving the film industry would not only preserve cultural heritage but also boost economic activity, create jobs for artists and technicians and promote Pakistan internationally.

The speaker repeatedly attempted to restore order, warning MPs that the assembly was not a political stage but a legislative forum.

He stressed the need to systematically implement the clauses of the bill and warned that continued disorder could delay procedures.

Other opposition figures, including Waqas Maan and retired Brigadier General Mushtaq Ahmad, raised broader governance concerns during the debate.

They questioned government spending priorities, the transparency of public spending and the role of bureaucracy in implementing such large-scale projects. Some have also linked the debate to wider political narratives, claiming that successive governments have contributed to the decline of the film industry.

Despite the chaos and walkout atmosphere during parts of the session, the government moved the legislative process forward. In his concluding remarks, Aurangzeb reiterated that the initiative aimed to revive a “dead industry”, provide institutional support to artists and create a sustainable creative economy.