Urwa Hocane challenges comparisons between Pakistani dramas and Netflix, arguing that local productions deserve recognition for their authentic emotions, original storytelling and creative quality.
KARACHI: Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has defended the quality of local television dramas, saying they do not need comparisons with international streaming platforms such as Netflix to prove their worth.
During an interview, the actress criticised the common practice of describing high-quality Pakistani dramas as being on the same level as Netflix productions. She said such comparisons were inappropriate because Pakistani artists and creators were already producing impressive work.
According to Hocane, the quality of a project does not automatically improve simply because it is released on a particular application or online platform. She emphasised that Pakistani productions should be evaluated on their own merits rather than measured against international content.
The actress highlighted storytelling and emotional authenticity as the key strengths of Pakistani dramas. She explained that genuine emotions and relatable narratives play an important role in connecting stories with audiences.
Her remarks come amid growing discussions about the influence of international streaming services on Pakistan’s entertainment industry. As digital platforms gain popularity, comparisons between local television productions and foreign content have become increasingly common.
However, Hocane believes that such comparisons can overlook the creative achievements of Pakistan’s own artists and storytellers. In her view, the country’s entertainment industry should receive recognition for its originality, quality and ability to present meaningful stories.
Pakistani dramas frequently explore family relationships, social challenges and cultural experiences that resonate with local audiences. These themes have helped establish a distinct identity for the country’s television industry.
Hocane’s comments also draw attention to the importance of evaluating entertainment beyond the platform on which it is distributed. She suggested that the real value of a production lies in its creative execution and emotional impact, rather than its association with an internationally recognised streaming service.
Her statement adds to the broader conversation about the future of Pakistani entertainment and the industry’s potential to strengthen its identity while competing in an increasingly globalised media landscape.
The actress’s remarks underline her belief that Pakistani dramas should be appreciated for their own strengths instead of relying on comparisons with international productions to establish their credibility.

