Are Pakistani Dramas Bigger Than Netflix Hits?

News Desk

Islamabad: Veteran actor and television host Faysal Qureshi has highlighted the growing international popularity of Pakistani dramas, saying local television content is gaining recognition despite having much smaller production budgets compared to global streaming projects.

Speaking on a podcast, Qureshi said Pakistani serials have developed a strong audience worldwide through digital platforms, particularly YouTube, where many dramas attract millions of views.

He said Pakistani dramas are increasingly being compared with major streaming productions, including Netflix series, despite differences in production costs. According to Qureshi, a major Pakistani drama may cost around Rs200 million to produce, while some Indian streaming projects have much higher budgets.

The actor argued that strong storytelling, talented performers and audience engagement have helped Pakistani dramas compete internationally without relying on large-scale investments.

Qureshi also praised the abilities of Pakistani artists, saying local actors have the talent to compete with performers from around the world. He added that the popularity of Pakistani dramas on digital platforms reflects their expanding reach among global audiences.

Sharing an example of their growing appeal, Qureshi recalled seeing people watching Pakistani dramas on mobile devices even in public places, saying such moments reflect the strong connection viewers have developed with local television content.