Arabic version of 'Dhoop Kinare' ready for airing in Saudi Arabia

The dubbing of 'Tanhaiyan' and 'Aahat' has also resumed after being delayed by 'PTV' due to budget constraints

In a recent tweet, former information minister Fawad Chaudhry has shared news bearing the fruit of his visit to the capital of Saudi Arabia last year.

Chaudry writes, "Pakistani dramas dubbing in Arabic resumes to be shown in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)."

News broke out in September 2019 that iconic drama serial Dhoop Kinare would be aired in the country with Arabic dubbing, reported Arab News. This was part of the cultural exchange programme initiated between Islamabad and Riyadh following Chaudry's visit.

Three serials had since then been shortlisted for dubbing, namely Dhoop Kinare, Tanhaiyan and Aahat. But Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) officials cited delays in the dubbing process of the latter two due to budget constraints.

However, the Arabic version of Dhoop Kinare, has been completed, according to Dr. Lubna Farah, the translation expert supervising the project as quoted by the outlet. 

As for the remaining serials, the Information Minister of Pakistan Shibli Faraz said, “Work has resumed on the project and (the finished product) will soon be given probably to Saudi Arabia and the UAE (to air on) their television channels."

Whereas the Controller International Affairs at PTV, said it was as yet unclear when pending work would resume on the two dramas. “It is entirely a ministry (of information) prerogative when and where they send these dramas,” he said.

“The project was initiated three years ago...the other two (Tanhaiyan and Aahat) could not be completed because of the non-availability of the remaining funds,” PTV former international affairs director Shazia Sikander reiterated.

Nevertheless, this is the first project in which PTV has dubbed local TV productions for Saudi viewers. It is the result of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to modernize the Kingdom and create new entertainment avenues for his people.

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