akistan’s economy has faced numerous challenges in recent years, hindering its growth prospects. The country has high inflation rates, dwindling foreign exchange reserves and low GDP growth. There is an urgent need to stabilise the macro-economy and pave the way for prosperity.

Amidst limited options, exploring relatively less developed sectors, such as the cultural and creative industries, could reveal promising potential. These industries offer benefits that extend beyond economic aspects, positively impacting social and spatial dimensions within communities and cities. Urban centres like Lahore have the infrastructure and facilities to enable the growth of creative and cultural industries that can lead to economic, spatial and social benefits. To fully realise this potential, some obstacles hindering these industries must be removed.

Over the years, Pakistan’s finance ministers have consistently emphasised the importance of increasing exports and reducing imports to achieve a positive balance of trade. The creative sector has shown promising figures, with a steady improvement in exports, particularly in art crafts and design. From 2004 to 2013, Pakistan’s creative economy grew from $60 million to $437 million, showcasing the sector’s growth potential.

Despite the increase in imports, indicating a domestic demand for these goods, Pakistan has maintained a positive balance of trade in the creative sector. Recently, the design segment has demonstrated the most impressive performance.

By focusing on local production and import substitution, Pakistan can further improve its balance of trade in the creative sector. However, as other countries are developing their creative industries at a faster pace, Pakistan must prioritise the improvement of this industry to remain competitive in the global market.

To foster sustainable urban development and the growth of cultural and creative industries, Lahore can utilise its existing assets, such as artists, creative capital and intangible cultural heritage. The UNESCO Cities, Culture and Creativity framework offers a holistic approach to optimising the use of these assets by focusing on six core enablers that synergistically contribute to spatial, social and economic advantages.

Urban infrastructure and livability

Lahore has witnessed steady development in its infrastructure to support a productive city. The city boasts ample spaces that promote creative work production and facilitate cultural and creative industries, ranging from cinemas and production houses to theatres like Alhamra.

Given its size and potential, there is a need for more investments in concert halls, theatres, cinemas and museums to ensure ample availability of top-quality facilities.

Lahore’s status as an agglomeration economy, characterised by clusters and a dense population, provides a conducive environment for the growth of creative industries. The city is home to specialty markets, such as Shah Alam Market, that hold both cultural and creative value. Some of these date back to the pre-partition era.

Skills and innovation

Pakistan lacks institutions that provide formal education in creative skills. Knowledge transfer through informal methods is prevalent. For example, musicians often pass on their expertise to their descendants, creating a legacy and household name. To make such knowledge accessible to all, there is a need for formal education opportunities for the general population. As one of the largest cities in Pakistan, Lahore is home to numerous universities dedicated to teaching students skills in arts, filmmaking, culinary arts and music.

The National College of Arts, renowned for nurturing talent in visual arts is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the field. The annual thesis display at the NCA is a major attraction for art enthusiasts in the city. In recent years, other institutions such as Beaconhouse National University, Kinnaird and Lahore University of Management Sciences have also started focusing on creative skills education, gaining popularity among students. Furthermore, interventions by non-government and not-for-profit organisations have a crucial role in enhancing the human capital of the city.

Social networks,

catalysts, support and

finance

Lahore was the early focal point of film industry, given its unrivalled infrastructure of cinemas and studios. The city’s cafes have long served as gathering points for intellectuals to engage in debates related to arts and crafts, offering mentorship to those seeking guidance. Pak Tea House, a colonial-era cafe, is a prime example of such a space.

On a positive note, the government has taken steps to address the issue of copyrights... This has led to a significant improvement in the performance of the creative industry. 

In recent years, Lahore has witnessed the emergence of regular festivals at the renowned Alhamra Hall. Events such as the Faiz Festival and the Lahore Literature Festival provide platforms for networking, learning and engaging with current debates. These festivals offer renewed hope for igniting a creative and cultural revolution.

Inclusive institutions, regulations and

partnerships

For a creative city to thrive, governments and regulators need to legislate and enforce regulations that support and promote creative and cultural industries. This includes the need to accept and protect the right to freedom of expression and diversity. Despite Lahore’s cultural richness, artists have frequently faced pressure to conform to societal norms.

The film industry, despite improvements in quality and content diversity, has been hindered by strict censorship. Audiences in Pakistan are often deprived of the opportunity to watch internationally acclaimed movies, including some produced in the country.

For the creative and cultural industries to flourish, Lahore must foster a more open and accepting environment for different genres and content. Artists should have the liberty to venture beyond familiar boundaries and allowing audiences to explore new perspectives. Controlling content and art will only discourage creativity and drive people away.

On a positive note, the government has taken steps to address the issue of copyrights. This has led to a significant improvement in the performance of the creative industry, with exports from creative industries rising notably since the implementation of these measures.

There are now calls for extending patent protection to the creative industry as well. In Pakistan, patents have been limited to specific industries, such as pharmaceuticals, yielding positive outcomes. Introducing patents in the creative sector can spur research and creativity, potentially leading to improvements in the cultural and creative industries.

Uniqueness

While creative production may not have been a primary focus in the past, authorities have consistently promoted tourism. The Walled City of Lahore celebrates its cultural heritage, and the city’s economy has benefited from both local and international tourists visiting iconic sites, such as the Badshahi Masjid. Other sectors related to tourism have also thrived. Lahore has capitalised on its uniqueness by consistently renovating historic structures, creating food streets and establishing museums.

However, the authorities need to recognise the potential of creative industries alongside the tourism they support and prioritise above all else. Some infrastructure projects in the city have caused considerable damage to important historical sites.

Digital Environment

The emerging artists face challenges like limited audience reach, lack of opportunities and the difficulty monetise their talent. The digitalisation of the economy, accelerated by the needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, has revolutionised the creative industry.

Artists can now produce content from diverse spaces and leverage the power of the internet to showcase their work. Shae Gill, who gained prominence with her debut song, Pasoori for Coke Studio, is a prime example. The song broke numerous records and was featured in the Ms Marvel series.

The government is promoting digitalization. Initiatives like the National Incubation Centre are supporting IT services and assisting entrepreneurs in launching their startups.

The synergy of these enablers brings spatial, economic and social benefits to Lahore. As creative and cultural industries thrive, the city is becoming more attractive to individuals and businesses. Companies benefit from access to a concentrated talent pool, fostering innovation and positive spillover effects. The growth of these industries can create job opportunities, not only in the creative sector but also in the non-creative sector. UNESCO data shows that 1.7 additional jobs are generated for each new creative job.

These benefits can lead to improved social outcomes, enhancing quality of life and strengthening community bonds. By implementing well-designed urban planning strategies and policies that remove barriers, Lahore can better harness the potential of its creative and cultural sector, propelling the city forward on a path of sustainable economic development and positioning it as a beacon of creativity, innovation and prosperity in the region.

The writer is a University College London graduate with a master’s in urban economic development. He is the co-founder of HamSukhan, a community-based learning platform