Punjab Announces 50-Acre Film City in Lahore; Power Division Moves to Scrap Fees for Small Solar Users; JI Karachi Slams Delays in Red Line BRT Project

1. CM Maryam Nawaz Announces 50-Acre ‘Punjab Film City’ in LahoreChief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the establishment of a 50-acre Punjab Film City in Nawaz Sharif IT City, Lahore. Calling it Pakistan’s first complete “end-to-end” media production hub, the CM said the project will house modern studios, sound stages, post-production labs, and VFX facilities under one roof to reduce dependence on foreign studios.The Film City will cater to film, TV, animation, and digital media, and include shooting facilities, sets, a central lake, convention halls for international events and award shows, a media trade hub, and a dedicated film & music school. CM Maryam said the initiative will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and help revive Pakistan’s film industry with modern technology and resources.She also expressed concern over unregulated traffic trends, directing strict enforcement of lane and line discipline. Separately, she voiced grief over the death of a child in Pir Mahal due to a dog bite.2. Power Division Asks NEPRA to Waive Fees, Licensing for Solar Users Below 25 kWOn the directives of Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Power Division has filed a review petition with NEPRA seeking removal of fees and licensing requirements for solar consumers with systems below 25 kW.The Division warned that current procedures hinder national renewable energy promotion efforts. Under the 2015 regulations, systems up to 25 kW did not require NEPRA licensing and were processed directly by DISCOs without fees, providing a major financial incentive for domestic users. However, the new “Prosumers Regulations” have centralized approvals with NEPRA and imposed application fees even on small plants.The Power Division has asked NEPRA to revert to the earlier framework to encourage rooftop solar adoption among households.3. JI Karachi Chief Demands Urgent Action on Red Line BRT, Calls Project ‘A Torment for Citizens’Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Munim Zafar Khan has demanded immediate rehabilitation of University Road and faster work on the Red Line BRT, saying the project has become “a torment” for citizens.Speaking to media during a site visit, he called for a clear alternate traffic plan, public facilities, and a transparent probe into the project. He accused the PPP of hiding its incompetence behind BRT and other delayed schemes, noting that K-IV and other projects also face delays and corruption.Munim Zafar said the Red Line, initially costing $503 million (approx. Rs 79 billion), has become several times more expensive, yet only 23% work is complete after four years. Contract cancellation and court cases have further complicated matters.He urged Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon and CM Murad Ali Shah to disclose the project’s revised cost, final completion date, and reasons for delay. “Jamaat-e-Islami will continue its struggle for Karachi’s rights. We will approach courts, protest on streets, and raise the people’s voice at every forum,” he said.