Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi has expressed concern about the future of the country’s entertainment industry, urging policymakers to carefully evaluate decisions that could impact local productions, employment opportunities, and the long-term growth of the creative sector.
In a recent video message, the veteran actor acknowledged the efforts made by federal and provincial governments to support Pakistan’s film and television industry. However, he also highlighted what he described as contradictions in certain budget-related measures that, in his view, may inadvertently benefit foreign productions at the expense of local content creators.
Faysal Quraishi emphasized the growing international success of Pakistani dramas, noting that local productions have gained significant popularity beyond Pakistan’s borders. He pointed out that audiences in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Azerbaijan, and Turkey continue to engage with Pakistani television content, making it an important cultural export for the country.
According to the actor, the expanding global reach of Pakistani dramas underscores the need to protect and strengthen the local entertainment industry. He argued that sustained support for domestic productions is essential not only for cultural representation but also for the livelihoods of thousands of professionals working behind the scenes.
Highlighting the economic importance of television projects, Quraishi explained that a single drama production creates employment for a wide range of individuals, including actors, writers, directors, technicians, makeup artists, camera operators, production crews, and service providers. Any decline in local productions, he warned, could have far-reaching consequences for workers and their families.
The actor also addressed the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on the entertainment sector. In particular, he raised concerns about the impact of AI-powered voice replication and automated dubbing technologies on professionals working in the dubbing industry.
Faysal noted that emerging AI tools can now generate dubbed content and replicate voices with minimal human involvement, potentially reducing employment opportunities for voice artists and related professionals. He stressed the importance of considering these technological shifts when developing policies for the future of the industry.
Concluding his message, Quraishi called on authorities to review relevant decisions and ensure that local talent remains protected. He emphasized that supporting Pakistan’s entertainment sector goes beyond promoting creative content, as it also involves safeguarding jobs, nurturing talent, and preserving an industry that contributes significantly to the country’s economy and cultural identity.
His remarks have reignited discussions about the challenges facing Pakistan’s entertainment industry, including policy reforms, technological disruption, and the need to balance innovation with the protection of local employment opportunities.
