Government to produce web series on Jinnah and Iqbal for 150th anniversary

The federal government on Saturday announced plans to produce two historical web series on the life and services of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and philosopher-poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal to mark their 150th birth anniversary.

The decision was taken at a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, which brought together major media companies, producers, directors and prominent figures from the creative sector.

Speaking at the meeting, Iqbal said the 150th anniversary celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal would go beyond formal ceremonies, instead serving as a milestone in national revival and intellectual revival.

He highlighted that focused storytelling was a powerful tool for nation building and connecting the younger generation with Pakistan’s ideological journey, constitutional struggle and national values ​​was the urgent need of the hour.

Iqbal added that Quaid-e-Azam’s constitutional struggle and Iqbal’s intellectual vision would be integrated into an overall narrative aimed at familiarizing the world with Pakistan’s ideological heritage and intellectual depth.

“Historical dramas can be an effective tool of soft power and cultural diplomacy,” he said, highlighting the government’s intention to foster partnerships with the creative industry to strengthen Pakistan’s positive image internationally.

The minister announced that the government would provide up to Rs500 million in seed funding for the two productions. Additionally, workshops for writers and producers would be held to ensure historical accuracy, authenticity and intellectual rigor.

“Research-based historical productions in line with international standards will be created, aligning our national heritage with the demands of the digital age,” he said.

The meeting also discussed a strategic framework to ensure effective representation of Pakistani historical content in global markets and considered the creation of domestic OTT platforms to showcase the two web series.

Iqbal noted that the thoughts and vision of national heroes would be presented to the youth in an inspiring and accessible manner through theater and digital media.

He expressed the government’s commitment that the anniversary celebrations would serve as a springboard for national reconstruction and intellectual renaissance, ensuring that Pakistan’s ideological heritage was effectively showcased on the world stage.