Veteran Pakistani actor and filmmaker Shamoon Abbasi has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the presence of foreign streaming platforms in the country, stating that local television dramas currently fall far short of the technical and narrative standards required by international giants like Netflix.
In a detailed post shared on his social media account, Abbasi addressed the rising calls to restrict international content, asserting that local productions cannot compete globally merely by banning foreign platforms or relying solely on domestic star power.
Referring to the current state of local entertainment, Abbasi highlighted that while Pakistan possesses immense artistic talent, TV dramas remain trapped in repetitive family conflicts and outdated production workflows that do not appeal to global audiences.
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Shamoon Abbasi pointed out a fundamental divide in narrative structure between traditional Pakistani television and international streaming platforms.
Because local dramas are produced for linear broadcast, their pacing is dictates by commercial breaks, stretching storylines across 30 to 40 slow-burning episodes. Netflix Originals, on the other hand, rely on a completely different framework designed specifically for binge-watching.
The actor emphasized that major streaming services prioritize strict technical standards—such as HDR workflows, high-end color grading, precise sound mixing, and fast-paced, binge-worthy pacing—over celebrity appeal.
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