Minister wants Pakistani dramas on Netflix, Amazon
Ahsan Iqbal urges producers to abandon outdated, repetitive storylines
Ahsan Iqbal Calls for Pakistani Dramas and Films on Netflix, Amazon to Boost Global Reach
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has called for Pakistani dramas and films to make their way onto major international streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, saying the country’s entertainment industry holds immense potential to succeed on a global scale.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion in Karachi with top producers and directors — including Nadeem Baig, Satish Anand, and actress Hina Khawaja Bayat — the minister highlighted the importance of embracing innovation, modern storytelling, and fresh narratives to revitalise Pakistan’s creative sector.
“Pakistan has a rich cultural legacy, especially in music, television, and the arts. Our dramas are admired worldwide, yet they remain largely missing from global streaming services,” said Iqbal. He encouraged industry leaders to work towards international visibility for local content.
He also addressed the decline in Pakistan’s film industry, noting that only a handful of movies are released annually. He urged filmmakers to move beyond repetitive themes and negative portrayals — especially of institutions like the police — and instead showcase inspiring real-life stories of dedication and service.
“Our police force includes many honest and hardworking officers. Their stories deserve to be told,” he remarked.
Iqbal praised actors, directors, and producers as Pakistan’s soft-power ambassadors, saying they play a critical role in shaping the nation’s image abroad. He pledged government support in helping the industry access international dubbing markets and expand global viewership.
He also stressed the importance of producing films and dramas that highlight national heroes like Allama Iqbal, to better connect the youth with Pakistan’s history and identity.
Referring to global trends, the minister pointed to China’s cinema industry as a model of success, citing its adoption of cutting-edge techniques and export-focused strategies.
The initiative was well received by industry stakeholders. Director Nadeem Baig praised the government’s engagement, calling it a much-needed step to address the sector’s challenges. Satish Anand added that globally competitive content could thrive with the right backing and infrastructure.
Actress Hina Khawaja Bayat also highlighted the need for timely regulation in the industry — particularly when it comes to ensuring fair contracts and prompt payments for artists and professionals.
