Usama Khan Actor says Pakistan is not ready for global streaming platforms

Usama Khan says Pakistan is not ready to compete on global streaming platforms. He believes the country must end censorship before local productions can succeed in the international OTT market.

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In an Instagram post, Khan responded to the government’s plan to bring Pakistani films and television dramas to platforms such as Netflix.

He said international audiences expect more than family-focused dramas. They also want authentic stories based on real events and complex social issues.

“Global streaming platforms may showcase Pakistan’s culture and positive stories, but their business model also relies on authentic, unfiltered storytelling,” Khan wrote.

He said these platforms invest in stories about true crime, politics, institutions and society. According to him, such content attracts global audiences.

However, Khan questioned whether Pakistan is ready for that level of creative freedom. He pointed to what he called the country’s growing “ban culture.”

He said censorship continues to limit filmmakers and writers. He argued that restrictions on political, historical and crime-related stories stop creators from showing reality.

Khan added that Pakistan must allow artists to tell honest stories. Only then, he said, can the country compete in the global streaming industry.

His comments came a day after Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced talks with Netflix and other international streaming platforms.

Iqbal said Pakistani films and dramas rank among the world’s best. He also announced plans to launch Pakistan’s own OTT platform to expand media exports and increase the global reach of local content.