After a public outcry over the absence of Pakistani films and dramas on streaming platforms like Netflix, the government has confirmed it is negotiating directly with global giants to secure a fair space for the country's creators. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal announced the initiative on X, framing it as part of a broader national export strategy. Main Developments Ahsan Iqbal stated on Sunday that the government is in talks with Netflix and other global Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms to adjust the regional framework. He argued that these platforms have been “weaponised by regional politics for too long, denying Pakistani content its rightful, due space.” Alongside these negotiations, the minister revealed that Pakistan is developing its own indigenous OTT platform under the Uraan Pakistan programme. The dual approach aims to both open international doors and build domestic infrastructure. Read also: Why Kashmir's 95-Year-Old Martyrs Day Still Drives Global Diplomacy Background The push follows a recent reemergence of public discourse about Pakistani content being sidelined on major streaming platforms. Filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar had earlier raised similar concerns, alleging that a “neighbouring country” uses political influence to block Pakistani entries. Jabbar also offered a hopeful note, confirming that Pakistan's first Netflix show is scheduled for release “in the next year or so.” The minister’s announcement builds on that momentum, linking entertainment to the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan — Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment & Climate Change, Energy & Infrastructure, and Equity & Empowerment. Why It Matters The entertainment industry is a vital cornerstone of Pakistan's export strategy, with global demand for Urdu content estimated at over a billion people. Securing space on platforms like Netflix would give Pakistani creators direct access to international audiences, boosting cultural influence and economic returns. If negotiations fail, the government's fallback — a homegrown OTT platform — could bypass regional gatekeeping entirely. ARY Digital CEO Salman Iqbal strongly backed this latter approach, noting that ARY had already turned down a Netflix content offer and has the technology and creative skill to build a standalone platform. What's Next The government is expected to continue discussions with Netflix and other streaming giants in the coming months. Simultaneously, work on Pakistan's indigenous OTT platform will proceed under the Uraan Pakistan initiative, with no public timeline yet for its launch. A key open question remains whether the regional political hurdles that the minister cited can be resolved through diplomacy, or whether the country will ultimately rely on its own streaming infrastructure to reach global audiences.