Veteran Pakistani television host Tauseeq Haider has sparked debate after sharing his candid views on the growing popularity of Turkish historical dramas in Pakistan.
While making it clear that he has no objection to the quality of the productions, he questioned why many Pakistanis view Ottoman history as part of their own heritage.
Speaking during a podcast, Tauseeq Haider was asked whether Pakistani dramas should receive more promotion than Turkish productions. Responding to the question, he said he completely agreed that local dramas deserve greater support.
However, he explained that his concern was not with the dramas themselves but with the way their history is often perceived.
According to Tauseeq, many people believe Turkish historical dramas help Muslims learn about their history.
However, he said he does not share that opinion. He explained that the victories, achievements, and military campaigns portrayed in those dramas belonged to the Ottoman Empire and were part of Turkish history, not Pakistan's.
Explaining his viewpoint, Tauseeq said that if the Ottoman rulers fought great battles or expanded their empire centuries ago, those achievements belonged to them. He questioned what role Pakistanis had played in those historical events, arguing that they should not be presented as Pakistan's own history.
Tauseeq further stressed that appreciating Turkish dramas as entertainment is entirely different from claiming those historical achievements as Pakistan's own. In his view, audiences should admire such productions for their storytelling and production quality while also taking pride in Pakistan's own history, culture, and achievements.
His remarks quickly sparked mixed reactions across social media.