KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani actor Faisal Qureshi has said that the absence of Pakistani films and television content on Netflix is driven by a combination of commercial realities and regional dynamics, claiming that Indian stakeholders do not want Pakistani content to appear on the global streaming platform.
Qureshi, one of Pakistan’s most prominent television actors known for hit dramas including Boota from Toba Tek Singh, Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan, Bashar Momin, Qaid-e-Tanhai, Muqaddar, Hook, Bheegi Palkain, Khaie, Fitoor and last year’s Case No. 9, shared his views during a recent podcast.
Responding to a question about when Pakistani productions might find a place on Netflix, the actor said that, in his opinion, Indian stakeholders did not want Pakistani content to be featured on the platform.
He further said Netflix generally prioritises productions that portray both the strengths and shortcomings of a society in a realistic manner.
According to Qureshi, filmmakers in Pakistan often face constraints in presenting the country’s realities openly, arguing that those who attempt to depict the complete picture may face difficulties living and working in the country afterward.
The actor also attributed the lack of Pakistani content on Netflix to the country’s limited commercial value for the streaming giant.
He said many Pakistanis do not purchase individual Netflix subscriptions, instead relying on accounts shared by friends or relatives living abroad, while a single subscription is often used by multiple people.
“As a result, Netflix does not generate the same level of revenue from Pakistan that it does from a much larger market like India,” he said.
Qureshi also pointed to changing audience habits, saying that before the release of a new Pakistani film, one of the first questions commonly asked is when it will become available on YouTube.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the global reach of Pakistan’s entertainment industry and the challenges local filmmakers face in securing distribution on major international streaming platforms.
