The federal government has initiated discussions with Netflix and other global Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms to secure an equitable space and sustainable partnership avenues for Pakistani content creators.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal stated on X that the initiative aims to strengthen the domestic entertainment industry and expand the global footprint of Pakistani film and television productions.
According to the minister, Pakistani dramas and films are gaining widespread international popularity and appreciation. Under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, the government has designated the creative and cultural industry as a critical pillar of the country’s national export strategy.
While recognizing major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime as vital gateways to global audiences, Iqbal stated that the platforms “have unfortunately been weaponised by regional politics for too long, denying Pakistani content its rightful, due space.”
To resolve the imbalance, the government is engaging with global streaming executives to adjust the current regional regulatory framework.
Alongside the negotiations, Iqbal revealed that the state is “actively working towards developing Pakistan’s very own independent OTT platform to champion stories globally,” rather than solely relying on foreign networks.
The government’s push follows regulatory actions in the region. In May 2025, India directed digital and streaming platforms operating within its borders to remove all Pakistan-origin films, series, music, and podcasts following an escalation in bilateral hostilities.
While Pakistani dramas remain popular among Indian audiences, Pakistani actors and productions have faced frequent restrictions in India during diplomatic standoffs. Conversely, Indian cinema and broadcast content are banned on Pakistani television and inside local theatres.
Despite political friction, there is no public evidence indicating that Netflix maintains an explicit policy to exclude Pakistani content.
The platform’s commissioning and acquisition decisions are dictated by commercial factors, including production capacity, expected financial returns, audience scale, and technical delivery standards.
To date, major Pakistani television dramas, including Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Sadqay Tumhare, have previously streamed on Netflix. However, the titles were acquired through licensing arrangements for completed third-party productions rather than being commissioned directly as official Netflix originals.
