ARY Digital CEO Salman Iqbal has spoken strongly in favour of building a local streaming service in Pakistan. He urged the country to create its own homegrown OTT platform instead of depending only on foreign services like Netflix.
Responding to Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Salman Iqbal said Pakistan has the technology, creative talent, and a large global Urdu-speaking audience. He believes a “Made in Pakistan” platform can succeed and promote local stories worldwide.
Iqbal also revealed that ARY Digital was approached by Netflix for content, but the company refused the offer. He explained that keeping Pakistani content exclusive helps protect local culture and gives it proper space. He feels international platforms sometimes limit visibility due to regional politics.
The ARY chief called for promoting Pakistani innovation alongside entertainment. He stressed that the country should lead with its own strength rather than relying on others. This, he said, would create jobs and boost the creative industry.
His comments have started a discussion on digital independence. Many experts agree that a strong local OTT service could help Pakistan tell its stories better and earn revenue at home and abroad.
