ARY Digital Network President and CEO Salman Iqbal has announced the launch of ARY Plus, a homegrown Pakistani OTT streaming platform aimed at giving drama lovers easier access to local entertainment.
Speaking in an interview, Salman Iqbal said work on the ARY Plus app had been underway for the past three to four years. He said the platform was developed in response to repeated demands from Pakistanis living abroad for a dedicated streaming service featuring Pakistani content.
Salman Iqbal said Pakistan has traditionally relied heavily on platforms such as YouTube, while international services including Netflix and Zee5 have expanded their presence globally. He described ARY Plus as a user-friendly platform that can be easily downloaded and navigated, including by elderly viewers.
ARY Plus to focus on Pakistani dramas
While television remains a major source of entertainment, Salman Iqbal said digital platforms have become increasingly important. He noted that several OTT services already operate in Pakistan, but many focus heavily on sports rather than Pakistani entertainment and dramas.
According to Salman Iqbal, ARY Plus will offer a large library of ARY Digital dramas along with exclusive content. He described the platform primarily as an Urdu drama network, with the aim of taking Pakistani dramas to audiences around the world.
The platform will also bring together content from across the ARY Digital Network, including ARY News, ARY Digital and Jeeto Pakistan.
ARY dramas to leave YouTube
Salman Iqbal has also confirmed that ARY Plus will offer free and unlimited streaming, meaning viewers will not need a subscription fee to watch its content.
ARY Digital plans to remove its dramas from YouTube from September 17, with viewers directed to ARY Plus for new episodes.
The move marks a major shift in ARY Digital’s digital strategy, positioning ARY Plus as the network’s primary online destination for Pakistani dramas and entertainment while keeping its content freely accessible to viewers.
