LAHORE: Academy Award winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy called on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday and agreed on collaborating on the Punjab Film City project.

The CM appreciated Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s professional achievements and expertise, and termed her efforts in highlighting social issues through documentary filmmaking commendable.

During the meeting, Ms Chinoy praised CM Maryam for her contributions to arts and culture. They discussed the Punjab Film City project in NSIT City and agreed on mutual collaboration.

The CM said the project would become Pakistan’s first “end-to-end” media production hub with facilities for film, television, digital media, VFX, and post-production. She stated that Punjab Film City would include modern studios, sound stages, post-production labs, shooting locations, and a lake. A convention hall, media trade hub, and film and music school were also part of the project, she added.

The CM also directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to restore the Digital History Museum at Minar-i-Pakistan.

Ms Chinoy praised the revival of the Basant Festival after decades and said that prominent Hollywood personalities had shown interest in the festival and would be formally invited next year to promote it internationally. She also appreciated the revival of the Horse and Cattle Show in Punjab.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari has termed the passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Act a historic milestone that will yield positive societal change and send a clear message against child marriages.

Paying a tribute to Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Wednesday for his role in the passage of the bill, she said he handled well this sensitive legislation.

She noted that his balanced and inclusive approach had earned appreciation from all segments of society, including women’s organisations, intellectuals, and social leaders.

Ms Bokhari emphasised that as representatives of the people, it was their fundamental responsibility to protect the rights of vulnerable groups — especially underage girls who were often subjected to forced marriages due to social pressures.

“We are all parents of daughters, and safeguarding their future is our collective duty,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026