Hashmi, a hit with Pakistanis who even features in a local advertisement, is in the country's cultural capital for the launch of his film Jannat, which centres round match-fixing in cricket and is believed to be a take on the life of Pakistan's former coach late Bob Woolmer.

Along with Hashmi, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, his producer-brother Mukesh Bhatt and the leading lady of the movie Sonal Chauhan joined the film's well-attended glittering premiere last night. The flick is jointly produced by Pakistan's Sohail Khan.

Hashmi, who "loved the friendly people of Lahore", said more Bollywood-Lollywood productions will help the peace process between India and Pakistan.

"I will never forget the love I got from the people at the Lahore airport," said Hashmi, who also visited the famous Data Darbar shrine and prayed for his film's success. He said he was fascinated by the "beautiful buildings and the stunning girls" of Pakistan.

The premiere of Jannat, held at the famous Gulistan cinema hall, was attended by hundreds of people including Lollywood celebrities. There was a fireworks display and several hundred hot air balloons were released to mark the occasion.