LAHORE, May 30: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has said the government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the promotion of art and culture in the province. He was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Art Achievement Academy here on Monday.

The chief minister said the government would provide it Rs15 million for providing quality entertainment to the people within the limits of morality. The Punjab Entertainment Company had been also established under the private-public partnership for highlighting the cultural identity and civilization.

He said the government was not only promoting cultural activities but also taking steps for the revival of the film industry which was on the decline. Four cinemas and theatres of international standard were proposed to be built at the Sheikh Zayed Centre being developed on Ferozepur Road here with the cooperation of United Arab Emirates.

The chief minister said the government was also establishing a modern film production laboratory in the city at a cost of Rs200 million for providing latest production facilities to the industry. An I-Max theatre was also being built on M. M. Alam Road in Lahore and new art centres at Rawalpindi and Faisalabad on the pattern of Alhamra.

He said institutions for promotion of arts were also proposed to be set up at Gujranwala and Dera Ghazi Khan. The Punjab Art Achievement Academy would play a pivotal role in development of quality entertainment facilities in the province.