Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi has voiced serious concerns about the future of the country's entertainment industry, warning that policies favoring foreign productions could undermine local content creation and threaten thousands of jobs. In a video shared on Instagram with the caption “First think of yourselves,” Quraishi urged policymakers to carefully consider the long-term consequences of decisions affecting Pakistan's television and film sectors.
Industry Criticism Reflects Concern, Not Resistance
According to the actor, criticism from industry professionals should be viewed as concern for the sector's future rather than resistance to change. “The thing is, if some people are saying something about a topic, that means they are concerned. They don’t have a problem with many things, but they want the next generation of people to benefit from it,” he said. “So if any of us brings up these issues, there is a reason behind it. We want the betterment of the industry we work in,” he added.
Government Support Welcomed, but Policies Questioned
Quraishi acknowledged recent efforts by the federal and provincial governments to support the entertainment sector, saying the industry had welcomed initiatives aimed at boosting local productions. “The other day, we were happy that the Punjab government, Sindh government and federal government were investing in our industry, so we are very glad they are doing that,” he said. However, he questioned policy measures that appear to provide incentives to international productions while local producers continue to face challenges. “But in the budget comes a concern that you are first saying you are supporting us, and then what’s happening is that taxes on international projects are being removed,” he remarked.
Pakistani Dramas as Cultural Exports
The actor also highlighted the growing international popularity of Pakistani dramas, arguing that local productions have become an important cultural export. “Today Pakistani dramas are recognised by audiences because of our actors, whether people understand our language or not,” he said. “They are talking about them everywhere — whether in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Azerbaijan or Turkey — where people watch them and enjoy them.”
Impact on Livelihoods and Jobs
Quraishi stressed that the success of local productions supports a vast network of workers beyond actors and directors. “One drama we shoot involves a minimum of 100 people, from actors, writers and directors to technical vendors and production staff,” he said. “This is a long list of people whose livelihoods depend on these projects. Even if five or 10 production slots disappear, jobs are lost. Who does this affect? Our own people.”
AI Threat to Voice Artists and Dubbing Professionals
He also expressed concern about the growing role of artificial intelligence in creative industries, particularly its potential impact on voice artists and dubbing professionals. “AI is on another level now. Dubbing artists’ jobs could also be taken away because you can simply input content and generate a story or episode automatically,” he said. “This is taking away opportunities from people as well.”
Call for Prioritizing Local Talent
Quraishi concluded by urging authorities to prioritise local talent and employment when formulating policies, arguing that the entertainment industry's growth depends on protecting the ecosystem that supports it.
