ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistani singer and actor *Farhan Saeed* has responded to India’s recent decision to ban Pakistani dramas and YouTube media channels amid growing tensions between the two neighboring countries.
“Their Loss,” Says Farhan Saeed on Declining Cross-Border Viewership
In a recent interview with a digital publication, the Mere Humsafar star expressed that while the ban has impacted viewership numbers, it should not affect the core purpose of Pakistani content creation.
“Of course, yes, our viewership has declined, and it will continue to be affected by the ban,” Saeed acknowledged. “But it should not make any difference. Pakistan has a huge population of over 250 million people, and this was the audience we started making our dramas for in the first place.”
He noted that while a drop in numbers can be discouraging, the quality of Pakistani content remains strong and appreciated across the region. “Yes, once you get used to certain numbers and it shrinks drastically, it does affect you, and there’s nothing wrong with it. But I think it’s their loss that they won’t be able to consume this good content that comes out of Pakistan, as our dramas are simply the best in this region.”
Indian Viewers Prefer Pakistani Dramas Over Films, Claims Saeed
Further elaborating on the regional appeal of Pakistani television content, Saeed stated that Indian viewers have consistently shown interest in Pakistani dramas over their own film productions.
“This is also the reason why Indians watch our dramas only, and not films. Because they are not great at the moment,” he claimed, highlighting the continued demand for quality storytelling from Pakistan despite political barriers.
Criticism of Indian Media
Farhan Saeed also voiced his disappointment with the Indian media landscape, stating that it no longer reflects independent journalism.
He said, “Indian media are not Indians anymore, but Modians,” suggesting increasing alignment with the policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.
Ongoing Tensions and Media Censorship
India’s latest move to block Pakistani YouTube news and entertainment channels comes amid heightened diplomatic strain between the two countries. This decision affects a significant number of cross-border viewers who have long followed Pakistani serials and digital content online.
Despite the restrictions, Saeed remained optimistic about the future of the industry. “The good content will always find its way,” he concluded.
