
Pakistan is exploring partnerships with global streaming platforms and developing a national OTT service to help local creators reach wider international audiences.
Pakistan is stepping up efforts to expand the global footprint of its entertainment industry by engaging with leading international streaming platforms. Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said discussions are underway with Netflix and other global services to explore partnerships that could create stronger opportunities for Pakistani filmmakers, producers and digital content creators.
The minister said the government wants to ensure local talent receives fair representation on international platforms while building long-term collaborations that benefit the country’s creative sector. He noted that Pakistani productions have attracted audiences beyond national borders, but geopolitical factors have often limited their ability to achieve broader visibility. Iqbal said, “Pakistan is in talks with Netflix and other global streaming platforms to secure an equitable share of space and sustainable partnership opportunities for Pakistani creators.”
According to Iqbal, these discussions align with the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, which identifies the creative and cultural industries as sectors with significant export potential. He said the strategy goes beyond entertainment, aiming to position locally produced films, dramas and digital content as valuable contributors to Pakistan’s economy while promoting the country’s culture to international audiences.
Alongside engagement with global streaming companies, the government is also working on plans for a dedicated Pakistani over-the-top (OTT) platform. The proposed service is intended to provide creators with an additional avenue to distribute original content internationally and reduce dependence on overseas platforms. Highlighting the vision behind the project, Iqbal said, “The government aims to develop Pakistan’s own independent OTT platform to showcase local stories to audiences worldwide.”
The twin approach of pursuing international partnerships while investing in domestic digital infrastructure reflects Pakistan’s broader ambitions for its creative economy. Industry observers have long argued that stronger digital distribution channels can help local productions reach new markets, attract investment and generate sustainable revenue streams for creators.
If the plans move forward, Pakistani storytellers could gain greater access to global audiences through both international collaborations and a homegrown streaming service. The initiative also highlights the government’s increasing focus on the creative economy as an avenue for economic growth, cultural exchange and international engagement.
