The Pakistani government has set aside Rs. 1 billion to produce a grand historical series about Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The project aims to tell Pakistan’s founding story using the same epic style that made Turkey’s Diriliş: Ertuğrul a massive hit.
Ertuğrul, which aired from 2014 to 2019, became a cultural phenomenon across the Muslim world. Its mix of history, action, and moral lessons attracted millions of viewers, including many Pakistanis who watched it dubbed in Urdu on PTV. The show’s success proved that well-made historical dramas can compete with modern entertainment and instill cultural pride.
Pakistan’s new project faces both opportunities and challenges. The government is consulting with Allama Iqbal’s family and conducting detailed research to ensure historical accuracy. This preparation is crucial, viewers today quickly spot and criticize historical errors on social media.
The bigger question is execution. Ertuğrul succeeded because of strong production quality, experienced writers, skilled actors, and a consistent vision across five seasons. It cost millions of dollars and took years to complete. Pakistan’s television industry has talent, but high-budget historical dramas require different skills than typical domestic serials.
The Rs. 1 billion budget sounds impressive, but it must cover research, sets, costumes, post-production, and possibly multiple seasons. For comparison, single episodes of premium international historical dramas cost several million dollars.
If done well, this series could educate younger Pakistanis about their history and boost the local entertainment industry. If rushed or poorly executed, it risks wasting public funds and disappointing audiences who now have high expectations after watching international productions.
