Could we be getting a collaborative Pakistani-Iranian drama series on Allama Iqbal’s life soon?
The possibility of a drama series on the life of poet Allama Iqbal was discussed on Tuesday during a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and a delegation from the Iranian media industry. Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad was present in the meeting, as were representatives of Pakistani TV channels, a film company and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority.
The Associated Press of Pakistan reported that the minister expressed delight over the concept of a jointly-produced drama on the life of Pakistan’s national poet to be produced in Persian and Urdu, and discussed how Iqbal’s poetry holds great significance for both countries. Five memoranda of understanding were signed between various representatives on, among other things, technical cooperation, skill development and content exchange.
This is the second time a jointly-produced drama serial on Iqbal has been mentioned in official meetings. On August 8, the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives issued a press release on preparations for the poet’s 150th birthday in 2027. The planning minister was quoted saying, “Iran has expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan to co-produce a feature film on Allama Iqbal, and we also intend to develop a high-quality drama series depicting his life and works.”
Pakistan’s most recent jointly produced TV series, a collaboration between HUM TV and Turkish state broadcaster TRT, was based on the life of 12th-century Muslim ruler Salahuddin Ayubi. The show began airing in 2024 and has a Turkish cast; Pakistani actors Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui are on board as producers.
Another historical series is in the works on the life of Fatima Jinnah, the sister and confidante of the nation’s founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Sajal Aly stars in the lead role alongside a star-studded cast. The series has wrapped up production, but a release date has yet to be revealed. No Partition story would be complete without Iqbal, though, and audiences will see Usman Mukhtar play the Poet of the East.
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