Pakistani actor Usama Khan has questioned the country’s readiness to compete on international streaming platforms, as the government pushes to bring local content to services like Netflix.
In a social media statement, Khan said Pakistan’s entertainment industry remains restricted by censorship and a prevailing “ban culture,” preventing creators from exploring complex themes such as politics, crime and history. He noted that global platforms demand “unfiltered realism” and stories rooted in true events areas where local productions often face limitations.
His comments follow Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s announcement that Pakistan is in talks to take its films and dramas to international audiences, alongside plans to launch a domestic OTT platform.
Industry voices, including film maker Mehreen Jabbar have also highlighted political and structural barriers affecting Pakistan’s visibility on global streaming services.
