Mehreen Jabbar Speaks on Criticism, Netflix, Censorship, Industry Payments & Viral Drama Debate | Full Interview
Pakistani director Mehreen Jabbar opened up on a wide range of topics in a candid interview, addressing criticism of her work, the future of Pakistani dramas on Netflix, censorship, delayed payments in the entertainment industry, healthy competition from foreign content, and the recent controversy over a drama scene suggesting a rape victim should marry her rapist.
Here are the key highlights from the complete conversation.
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Mehreen Jabbar Responds to Criticism of Her Direction
When asked about writer Dr. Younus Butt’s criticism that Kubra Khan’s acting lacked variety and that Mehreen Jabbar’s direction made dramas feel unnecessarily slow, the director chose not to respond with counter-arguments.
She said everyone is entitled to their opinion and that criticism is part of creative work. According to Mehreen, no project can satisfy every viewer, and people naturally have different preferences.
Why Aren’t Pakistani Dramas on Netflix?
Speaking about the absence of Pakistani dramas on major international OTT platforms, Mehreen Jabbar said politics and market size are among the biggest factors.
She explained that streaming companies naturally prioritize countries with larger subscriber bases, while Pakistan’s paid streaming market is still developing.
However, she expressed optimism and said she hopes a Pakistani project reaches Netflix soon, believing local content deserves international recognition because of its improving quality.
Will Foreign Dramas Hurt Pakistan’s Industry?
The interviewer also asked about concerns following reports that taxes on imported foreign dramas may be removed, allowing greater international competition.
Mehreen Jabbar said she does not see competition as a threat.
She pointed out that Turkish dramas were once hugely popular in Pakistan, but the local industry has since grown significantly. According to her, Pakistani dramas have expanded rapidly over the past few years, particularly among overseas Pakistanis and South Asian audiences.
She added that healthy competition encourages creators to improve their work and said she does not support bans or censorship.
The Viral Romantic Scene That Never Aired on TV
The conversation also touched on a romantic deleted scene featuring Shuja Asad and Kubra Khan that later went viral on YouTube.
Mehreen Jabbar explained there was no marketing strategy behind releasing it online.
She said television channels have their own editorial policies regarding what is suitable for family audiences. Since the scene had already been filmed and she personally liked it, she later decided to share it with her social media followers, where it unexpectedly became viral.
Mehreen Jabbar on TV Censorship
Having previously served on Pakistan’s censor board, Mehreen said television enters every household, so broadcasters must carefully decide what content aligns with their policies.
She acknowledged that each channel has its own standards regarding what can or cannot be aired.
“Artists Shouldn’t Have to Beg for Payments”
Discussing financial issues within Pakistan’s entertainment industry, Mehreen Jabbar admitted that delayed payments remain a serious problem.
She said production houses blame television channels, channels blame advertisers, and advertisers blame others in the payment chain, resulting in delays that eventually affect actors, makeup artists, electricians and other crew members.
According to her, the industry’s biggest issue is weak project management and an inefficient payment system.
Why Haven’t Industry Unions Solved the Problem?
When asked why YouTube revenues have not improved payment practices, Mehreen replied that the bigger issue is the lack of unity within the industry.
She said directors’ guilds and artists’ unions exist, but they lack enough collective strength to bring meaningful change despite repeated efforts.
Mehreen Jabbar Rejects Viral Drama Scene About Rape
The interview also addressed a controversial scene from another Pakistani drama where a character reportedly tells a rapist that marrying the victim is the “atonement” for his crime.
Although Mehreen Jabbar said she had not watched the drama, she strongly rejected the idea.
She stated that a rape victim should never be portrayed as having to marry her rapist and called such messaging completely wrong.
Founding Member of War Against Rape
Mehreen Jabbar also confirmed that she is a founding member of the organization War Against Rape.
Responding to questions about the increasing number of rape cases and violence against women and children, she said the situation is deeply concerning and deserves serious attention.
Throughout the interview, Mehreen Jabbar maintained that criticism is a natural part of filmmaking, healthy competition benefits the industry, censorship should be approached carefully, and Pakistan’s entertainment sector still needs structural reforms to fully realize its potential.
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