Jinnah and Iqbal’s Lives to be dramatized in ‘Ertugrul’ style High-Budget Series

2026-01-28 - 17:21

ISLAMABAD – The government has decided to pay tribute to Pakistan’s founding father and greatest poet who has become alive on screen, just like tales of Ertugrul that once amassed millions.The Pakistani government greenlit Rs1 billion historical drama series that will chronicle lives of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Muhammad Iqbal, bringing their stories, ideas, and sacrifices to a new generation of Pakistanis. Interviews with Iqbal’s grandsons are already underway, promising a blend of personal insight and grand history. From the corridors of power to the heritage-rich lands of Pakistan, this series is set to become a cultural milestone, connecting young hearts to the nation’s heroes like never before. The series will chronicle extraordinary lives of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the legendary poet-philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The announcement was made during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, chaired by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar. Officials revealed that the series, sanctioned under PM’s directives, aims to portray the struggles, achievements, and visionary ideas of these national icons in a high-quality narrative format tailored for younger audiences. Iqbal Academy has already begun interviewing Allama Iqbal’s grandsons, with plans to complete the process by the end of February. The committee also intends to engage additional members of Iqbal’s family to ensure authenticity. The drama will emulate the gripping storytelling style of Ertugrul, which brought the life of 13th-century Muslim leader Ertugrul Ghazi, father of Ottoman Empire founder Osman Ghazi, to international acclaim. The Turkish series previously captivated Pakistani audiences, sparking renewed interest in Islamic history among the youth. The committee also discussed other national heritage projects. Provincial governments in Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are actively working on heritage development. A World Sculpture Exhibition is set for February 6, and officials emphasized facilitating regular educational visits for students to the Pakistan National Council of the Arts to strengthen cultural awareness. Progress on the new national museum near Shakarparian was reviewed. While land has been acquired, the project has been delayed until next year due to insufficient funds, leaving only Rs190 million available. The committee decided to appeal to the prime minister for the restoration of funds. National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) Amendment Bill 2025 was approved, transferring rule-making authority from the prime minister to the Lok Virsa board following the Mustafa Impex case. Evacuee Trust Property Board reported serious access issues for Sikh community. Fencing work begun, with the boundary wall and gate expected to be completed within two weeks. The board is in severe financial distress, with several properties illegally occupied at minimal rent, while only two properties in Islamabad generate 90% of its revenue. ‘Resurrection Ertugrul’: Muse for diverse ventures in Kashmir