The federal government has announced that it is working to secure greater representation for Pakistani films and television content on global streaming platforms, including Netflix, while simultaneously developing a homegrown streaming service to expand the country’s digital entertainment industry.
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Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistani dramas and films enjoy widespread popularity among audiences worldwide and should receive broader international exposure. He described the entertainment industry as a key component of the government’s Uraan Pakistan economic transformation programme, which aims to boost exports and strengthen Pakistan’s creative economy.
According to the minister, global over-the-top (OTT) platforms play a crucial role in connecting local productions with international viewers. However, he argued that regional political dynamics have limited Pakistani content’s presence on some major streaming services. He revealed that the government is currently in discussions with Netflix and other international platforms to revise regional content arrangements and create more opportunities for Pakistani creators.
Alongside these efforts, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan is also working on launching its own indigenous OTT platform to showcase local films, dramas and original productions to audiences around the world.
The announcement sparked discussion within the entertainment industry. Salman Iqbal welcomed the idea of a Pakistani streaming platform, saying the country should focus on building its own digital ecosystem rather than depending on foreign platforms. He added that Pakistan already possesses the technological expertise and creative talent needed to operate a successful global streaming service.
Salman Iqbal also claimed that his media channel had previously been approached by Netflix for content but chose not to move forward. He argued that the global Urdu-speaking audience is large enough to support an independent Pakistani platform.
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The issue of Pakistani content on international streaming services has remained a frequent topic of debate in recent years. Industry professionals have expressed hope that ongoing discussions and future collaborations will help Pakistani productions gain wider global recognition while creating new opportunities for filmmakers, actors and content creators.