Government to produce web series on Jinnah and Iqbal on the occasion of 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 anniversaries.

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

Addressing the meeting, Iqbal said the 150th anniversary celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal would go beyond formal ceremonies and would rather serve as a milestone in national renewal and intellectual revival.

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

Iqbal added that Quaid-e-Azam’s constitutional struggle and Iqbal’s intellectual vision would be incorporated into a global narrative to acquaint the world with Pakistan’s ideological heritage and intellectual depth.

“Historical dramas can serve as 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 Rs 500 million in seed funding for the two productions. Additionally, workshops would be organized for writers and producers to ensure historical accuracy, authenticity and intellectual rigor.

“Historical productions based on research and of international standard 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The meeting also discussed a strategic framework to ensure effective representation of Pakistani historical content in global markets and considered establishing domestic OTT platforms to showcase the two web series.

Iqbal noted that the thoughts and vision of national heroes will 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 serve as a launching pad for national reconstruction and intellectual revival, ensuring that Pakistan’s ideological heritage is effectively highlighted on the global stage.