In a bold and progressive move, a senior Pakistani government minister has expressed a strong desire for Pakistani dramas to be showcased on global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
This proposal highlights the government’s renewed interest in promoting Pakistan’s rich cultural storytelling tradition on international platforms, allowing the world to witness the depth, diversity, and beauty of Pakistani narratives.
The minister wants to see Pakistani dramas on Amazon and Netflix.
Ahsan Iqbal asks filmmakers to shun tired, repetitious plotlines.
KARACHI: Pakistan’s entertainment industry has enormous potential for international expansion, according to Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, who on Monday expressed the desire to see Pakistani dramas and films on popular global streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.
The Vision Behind the Statement
The call occurred during a recent media briefing, where the minister highlighted the global potential of Pakistani content.
According to him, Pakistani dramas have long been admired for their emotional depth, strong characters, and cultural richness, making them highly suitable for international audiences who are now consuming foreign-language content more than ever.
He emphasized that while platforms like Netflix have incorporated content from India, South Korea, Turkey, and Spain, Pakistan’s television industry, despite its high quality, remains underrepresented.
“Our dramas are powerful and emotional, with stories that can touch hearts across borders. It’s time the world watches what we’ve created,” said the minister.
A Glorious Legacy of Pakistani Dramas
Pakistan has a proud legacy of television dramas dating back to the golden era of PTV (Pakistan Television). Iconic dramas like
- Humsafar
- Tanhaiyan
- Dhoop Kinare
- Zindagi Gulzar Hai
- Meray Paas Tum Ho
…have already proven that Pakistani serials can captivate massive audiences. These shows, known for their social themes, intricate family dynamics, and powerful performances, are often grounded in the realities of South Asian culture.
Why Global Streaming Is the Next Step
In recent years, Netflix and Amazon Prime have expanded their libraries to include shows from around the globe. K-dramas (Korean dramas), Turkish serials, and Spanish thrillers have gained immense popularity, proving that audiences are open to watching subtitled content if the story is compelling.
Here’s why Pakistani dramas are ready for the global stage:
- Cultural authenticity blended with universal themes (love, sacrifice, justice).
- Strong writing and powerful female characters.
- Short episode formats compared to longer seasonal commitments.
- A growing diaspora audience in the US, UK, Canada, and the Middle East.
The Role of Technology and OTT Platforms
The rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms has revolutionized the way audiences consume content. Traditional television is being replaced by on-demand, ad-free, multi-language services, which give users complete control. This digital shift offers Pakistani content creators a golden opportunity to:
- Reach global viewers.
- Showcase Pakistani culture in a positive light.
- Tap into international revenue streams.
The minister emphasized the importance of local production houses and broadcasters collaborating with tech teams and subtitle services to ensure that content meets the technical and quality standards of international OTT platforms.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite the optimism, several challenges remain:
- Language barriers (need for English or multilingual subtitles).
- Platforms like Netflix require technical formatting and post-production standards.
- Copyright and licensing agreements that require legal expertise.
- A need for more investment in storytelling innovation and global appeal.
The minister urged private sector media houses to invest in OTT readiness, suggesting that the government may assist in negotiations or provide incentives to facilitate content exports.
Support from the Creative Community
Several top Pakistani directors, producers, and actors have supported the idea. Acclaimed actress Mahira Khan, during a recent event, remarked,
“Pakistani dramas are already loved across the border and among Urdu speakers around the world. Imagine what we can do if we’re on Netflix or Amazon—it would be huge!”
Filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how international platforms bring creative freedom and broader exposure.
Pakistani Content Already on Streaming
While Pakistani films like “Joyland” and “Zindagi Tamasha,” as well as the series “Churails,” have found a presence on platforms like ZEE5 or through independent distribution, there is still no dedicated stream of mainstream Pakistani dramas on Netflix or Amazon.
This is what the minister’s statement aims to change.
Strategic Collaboration Suggested
The minister proposed creating a government-backed media export council that can:
- Identify top-rated dramas suitable for international streaming.
- Negotiate deals with Netflix, Amazon, and other OTT services.
- Encourage production companies to create original web content.
- Facilitate training programs to help local creators meet streaming guidelines.
This kind of structured, institutional effort could transform Pakistani media and allow it to compete on a global scale, just like Turkish or Indian content.
A Boost for National Image
Showcasing Pakistani culture, family values, fashion, music, and social issues to a global audience can also serve as a form of soft power diplomacy. It offers a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of Pakistan, moving beyond the stereotypes often depicted in Western media.
Such efforts can also boost tourism, foster cultural exchange, and enhance Pakistan’s global reputation.
Conclusion
The minister’s vision of seeing Pakistani dramas on Netflix and Amazon Prime reflects a forward-thinking, strategic approach to media globalization.
With the right partnerships, technical support, and policy framework, Pakistan has everything it takes to become the next big content hub.
As the world becomes more connected, it’s time for Pakistani stories to find their rightful place in living rooms across continents—from Lahore to London and from Karachi to California.