Netflix approached ARY Digital over content, says Salman Iqbal
ARY Digital chief Salman Iqbal has confirmed that Netflix approached the network to license its content, but the broadcaster chose not to move ahead with the offer. His comments come at a time when Pakistan’s entertainment industry is debating whether global streaming platforms should carry more local productions.
Iqbal revealed that ARY had already been contacted by Netflix, but the company declined. He argued that Pakistan should invest in its own digital infrastructure rather than rely on international platforms. “Pakistan should prioritise developing its own OTT streaming platform instead of depending on global services like Netflix,” he said, adding that ARY had “declined an offer from Netflix to license its content”.
He expressed confidence in the country’s creative and technical capabilities, noting that Pakistan has a vast audience beyond its borders. “Pakistan has the technology and creative potential to build a homegrown platform with a global audience,” he said, pointing out that the worldwide Urdu‑speaking population is “over a billion people”.
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His remarks followed the government’s recent discussions with Netflix about increasing the visibility of Pakistani content internationally. While officials believe Pakistani dramas and films deserve wider representation, Iqbal maintains that a domestic platform would give creators more control and long‑term stability.
