Pakistan in talks with Netflix as govt plans homegrown streaming platform

The government is in talks with Netflix and other major streaming platforms to secure greater global visibility for Pakistani dramas and films, while simultaneously working to launch the country's own over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Sunday.

Sharing the development on X, Iqbal said Pakistan's creative and cultural industries would play a central role in the country's export strategy under the Uraan Pakistan initiative.

"Pakistani dramas and films are second to none, commanding immense demand and heartfelt appreciation across the globe," he wrote. "Under our Uraan Pakistan export endeavours, the creative and cultural industry stands as a vital cornerstone for our national export strategy."

According to the minister, the government is seeking to expand Pakistani content's presence on international streaming services, arguing that regional politics have long limited its visibility.

"While major OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are critical gateways to the global audience, they have unfortunately been weaponised by regional politics for too long, denying Pakistani content its rightful due space," he said.

Iqbal added that the government is in discussions with Netflix and other global streaming companies to revise the existing regional framework.

"Recognising our massive export potential, the Government of Pakistan is currently in talks with Netflix and other global streaming giants to adjust the regional framework. Our goal is clear: secure an equitable share of space and open sustainable partnership avenues for Pakistani creators."

Alongside those negotiations, the government is pursuing what Iqbal described as a dual-track strategy by developing Pakistan's own independent OTT platform.

"We aren't just waiting for a seat at their table. The government is actively working towards developing Pakistan's very own independent OTT platform to champion our stories globally."

If realised, the platform would provide Pakistani filmmakers and producers with a homegrown digital distribution network, reducing their reliance on international services and giving local content greater control over how it reaches global audiences.

The announcement builds on the government's broader Uraan Pakistan initiative, launched in December 2024, which identified the creative and cultural economy as one of eight high-potential sectors expected to contribute to export growth.

The move also comes at a time when Pakistani entertainment continues to attract audiences beyond South Asia. Over the past several years, Pakistani dramas have built dedicated followings across the Gulf, the United Kingdom and North America, while social media and YouTube have introduced the industry's storytelling to an increasingly diverse international audience.