Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has urged Pakistan’s entertainment industry to set its sights on global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon. During a roundtable discussion in Karachi with top creatives including director Nadeem Baig, producer Satish Anand, and actress Hina Khawaja Bayat, the minister stressed that Pakistani dramas deserve an international stage.
Iqbal highlighted the nation’s rich legacy in music, arts, and storytelling, lamenting how this talent remains largely absent from platforms that define today’s global viewing habits. “Pakistani dramas are already admired across borders, why aren’t they accessible worldwide?” he asked, adding that the country must embrace innovation, modern narratives, and global-quality production to stay relevant in a digital-first world.
The minister didn’t shy away from critiquing the film industry’s stagnation, urging a departure from repetitive themes and clichéd portrayals especially of institutions like the police. He emphasized storytelling with dignity and truth, adding, “There are countless untold stories of bravery and resilience that reflect our real Pakistan.”
Describing creatives as the country’s “soft-power ambassadors,” Iqbal offered government support in accessing the international dubbing market and bringing Pakistani content to broader audiences. He also emphasized producing content around national heroes like Allama Iqbal to educate and inspire youth.
Industry veterans welcomed the rare show of government engagement. Nadeem Baig noted it as a “first step in the right direction,” while Satish Anand stressed that globally resonant content “only needs the right push to break barriers.” Actress Hina Khawaja Bayat highlighted the need for timely industry regulations, especially regarding artist payments.
With fresh vision and official support, the dream of seeing Pakistani dramas trending on Netflix or Amazon no longer feels out of reach it feels overdue.
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