Qureshi claimed that one reason behind the limited availability of Pakistani content on Netflix is the influence of the Indian market. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has announced that the government is taking steps to ensure Pakistani films and dramas receive proper recognition on international streaming platforms, especially Netflix.

Pakistani dramas and films are widely appreciated around the world for their strong storytelling and quality performances. However, many viewers often question why this content is not widely available on major global platforms like Netflix.

Speaking on a podcast, Faisal Qureshi discussed the issue and shared his views on the challenges facing Pakistani content creators.

When asked when Pakistani dramas and films would appear on Netflix, Qureshi said, “If I speak honestly, Indians do not want Pakistani content to come on Netflix.”

He also pointed to another reason, saying that Pakistan often avoids showing the realities and difficult aspects of society. According to him, Netflix looks for authentic stories that reflect both the strengths and weaknesses of a society.

Qureshi said that showing the true picture of a country can be challenging for filmmakers in Pakistan, as creators who highlight sensitive issues may face difficulties.

He further said that Pakistan’s smaller Netflix subscriber base compared to India also affects the availability of Pakistani content. According to him, many people in Pakistan share Netflix accounts with friends and relatives instead of purchasing individual subscriptions, resulting in lower revenue from the Pakistani market.

He jokingly added that in Pakistan, the first question after a film’s release is often, “When will it come on YouTube?”

Government Announces Efforts for Global Reach

The government has also responded to the issue.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said in a post on X that Pakistani films and dramas are not behind any country in terms of quality and are appreciated globally.

He said the government considers the entertainment industry an important part of increasing Pakistan’s exports and is working to expand opportunities for creative industries.

Talking about regional politics, Ahsan Iqbal said that unfortunately, due to regional factors, Pakistani content has not received its deserved position on international platforms for a long time.

He added that the government is engaging with Netflix and other streaming companies to change this situation and provide fair opportunities to Pakistani creators.

The minister also announced that Pakistan is working on developing its own local over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, which would allow Pakistani content to reach global audiences without relying entirely on foreign platforms.

According to Ahsan Iqbal, the initiative is part of the national export strategy under the “Uraan Pakistan” programme and aims to connect Pakistan’s creative industry with international markets.

Earlier, renowned filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar had also expressed similar concerns, suggesting that a neighbouring country’s political influence has pushed Pakistani content into the background on global platforms.

However, she expressed optimism that the situation could improve, especially as Pakistan’s first Netflix original series is expected to be released within the next year, potentially opening new opportunities for Pakistani dramas and films worldwide.