Documentaries about Pakistan offer a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of this South Asian nation, known for its diverse culture, complex history, and geopolitical significance.
From the bustling streets of Karachi to the serene landscapes of the northern mountains, these documentaries delve into various aspects of the country, shedding light on its societal challenges, cultural treasures, political dynamics, and the lives of its people.
On a personal note, I have spent several years living in Islamabad in the north of Pakistan and have travelled to most parts of the country, in particular the northern mountains.
I can say that despite what you hear on the news, which is mainly negative news, although true, there are also many good things about Pakistan, its people, and its culture.
Documentaries About Pakistan
Most documentaries about Pakistan that you can find show the negative aspects of the country but I have tried to show some of the positive ones as well.
Whether exploring issues such as religious extremism, gender equality, or the ever-evolving relationship with neighbouring India, these documentaries provide a thought-provoking and often intimate perspective on Pakistan’s multifaceted identity and the forces that shape it.
Saving Face (2012)
Saving Face primarily focuses on two women, Zakia and Rukhsana, who are survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan. The film highlights their personal stories, struggles, and their quest for justice and medical treatment.
The documentary also profiles Dr Mohammad Jawad, a British-Pakistani plastic surgeon who returns to Pakistan to help acid attack survivors. Dr Jawad’s efforts to provide reconstructive surgery and emotional support to the victims are a significant part of the film’s narrative.
“Saving Face” sheds light on the horrifying prevalence of acid attacks in Pakistan, often perpetrated by family members or acquaintances as a form of revenge or punishment for perceived transgressions.
The film explores the physical and emotional trauma the survivors face and the societal and legal challenges they encounter.
The title, “Saving Face,” alludes to the societal importance of a person’s face in Pakistan and the desire of acid attack survivors to regain their appearance and dignity.
The documentary also highlights the work of organizations and individuals dedicated to supporting these survivors and raising awareness about the issue.
This is easily one of the best documentaries about Pakistan to watch.
Indus Blues (2018)
This documentary explores the rich musical heritage of Pakistan, particularly focusing on the disappearing traditional musical instruments and the musicians who play them.
The documentary showcases the diverse cultural and musical traditions of different regions of Pakistan, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting these traditions.
“Indus Blues” sheds light on the challenges and threats faced by traditional musicians and their instruments in the modern world, such as the decline in patronage and the encroachment of modern music.
The film also underscores the importance of cultural preservation and the role of music in connecting people to their heritage.
The documentary features interviews with various musicians and experts, as well as performances of traditional music from different regions of Pakistan. It serves as a tribute to the cultural diversity and musical richness of the country.
You can watch the whole documentary for free on YouTube:
Song of Lahore (2015)
Keeping with the musical theme, his documentary tells the story of a group of Pakistani musicians known as the Sachal Studios Orchestra and their journey to revive and preserve traditional Pakistani music, particularly classical and jazz music.
The film focuses on the Sachal Studios Orchestra, which is based in Lahore, Pakistan. This group of talented musicians faced many challenges in Pakistan due to the conservative cultural climate and a decline in the appreciation of traditional music.
However, they gained international recognition after a video of their performance of Dave Brubeck’s jazz classic “Take Five” went viral on the internet.
Song of Lahore explores the lives and struggles of these musicians as they work to keep their musical traditions alive in the face of adversity. It also documents their collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, leading to a historic concert in New York City.
The documentary highlights the power of music to bridge cultural gaps and bring people together. It also sheds light on the cultural heritage of Pakistan and the efforts of these musicians to ensure that traditional music continues to flourish in a changing world.
This is one of the best documentaries about Pakistan that shows a more upbeat view of the musicians and people of the country.
Among the Believers (2015)
Among the Believers examines the rise of religious extremism and the state of education in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) and the controversial Islamic cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz.
The film explores the ideological and political landscape in Pakistan, highlighting the influence of radical Islamic beliefs and the challenges faced by secular and moderate voices within the country.
It delves into the educational institutions known as madrassas, which provide Islamic education but are often criticized for promoting extremist ideologies.
The central character in the documentary is Maulana Abdul Aziz, who is associated with the Red Mosque in Islamabad and is known for his hardline views. The film follows his activities and speeches, as well as the efforts of those who are trying to counter his influence.
Among the Believers also features the stories of two young students, one from a madrassa and the other from a secular school, providing insight into the choices and challenges faced by young people in Pakistan.
The documentary offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex issues surrounding religious extremism, education, and ideology in Pakistan. It received critical acclaim and played a significant role in raising awareness about these important topics.
This is one of the best documentaries about Pakistan to watch to understand more about religious extremism in the country.
A Girl In The River (2015)
A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) in 2015.
The documentary focuses on the issue of honour killings in Pakistan. It tells the story of Saba Qaiser, a young woman who survived an attempted honour killing by her own family. She was shot and thrown into a river, hence the title “A Girl in the River.” Despite her injuries, Saba managed to survive and tell her story.
The film not only highlights Saba’s personal experience but also delves into the broader social and cultural context of honour killings in Pakistan.
It examines the pressures and expectations placed on women and the challenges they face when seeking justice and protection from such violence.
Armed With Faith (2017)
Armed with Faith provides a close and intimate look at the bomb disposal unit of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in Pakistan. This unit is tasked with the dangerous and challenging mission of defusing explosive devices and handling bomb-related threats in a region plagued by terrorism and violence.
The documentary follows the lives of the brave individuals who make up the bomb disposal unit, showcasing their dedication, courage, and the tremendous risks they face daily to protect their communities.
It explores their personal stories, the toll their work takes on their families, and the emotional and psychological impact of their high-stress job.
Armed with Faith also provides insight into the broader context of terrorism and extremism in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and the efforts of law enforcement to counter these threats. It highlights the resilience of the people who continue to live and work in an area affected by conflict.
The film underscores the sacrifices made by these individuals in their pursuit of peace and security, shedding light on their unwavering commitment to their duty and their communities.
This is one of the best documentaries about Pakistan that shows the other side of the coin, so to speak. Those who are defending their country from extremism.
Pakistan’s Hidden Shame (2014)
Pakistan’s Hidden Shame explores the issue of child sexual abuse and exploitation in Pakistan. Reporter Ramita Navai investigates the disturbing and often unreported cases of child sexual abuse in Pakistan.
The documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by child victims, their families, and the wider Pakistani society in addressing and combating this pervasive issue.
The film delves into the cultural and legal aspects of child abuse in Pakistan, highlighting the difficulties faced by survivors and their families in seeking justice and protection.
It also exposes some of the factors that contribute to the perpetuation of child abuse, such as poverty, lack of awareness, and a culture of silence and stigma surrounding the topic.
Pakistan: An Unsafe Haven (2015)
Pakistan: An Unsafe Haven is a documentary produced by the BBC’s flagship current affairs program, “Panorama.” The documentary investigates various aspects of Pakistan’s security situation, including terrorism, extremism, and the challenges faced by both the Pakistani government and its citizens.
The BBC team explores the security landscape in Pakistan, examining the threats posed by terrorist groups, such as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and their impact on the country’s stability and security measures.
The documentary also investigates the role of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies in dealing with these threats and their historical relationships with militant groups.
Furthermore, the documentary delves into the issue of religious extremism and the radicalization of Pakistani youth.
It examines the factors contributing to the spread of extremist ideologies and the challenges faced by the Pakistani government in countering these trends.
Pakistan: Defenders of Karachi (2016)
Pakistan: Defenders of Karachi examines the security challenges and efforts to maintain law and order in the city of Karachi, Pakistan.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, has faced various security issues, including ethnic and political violence, organized crime, and terrorism. “Pakistan: Defenders of Karachi” focuses on the work of law enforcement agencies, including the police and paramilitary forces, as they tackle these challenges and strive to maintain peace and stability in the city.
The documentary provides insight into the lives and experiences of law enforcement personnel who are on the front lines of Karachi’s security situation.
It also explores the strategies and tactics employed by these defenders to combat crime and maintain order in a city with a complex and often volatile socio-political landscape.
Every Last Child (2014)
Every Last Child focuses on the issue of polio eradication in Pakistan and the challenges faced by health workers and organizations in their efforts to vaccinate every child against the disease.
The documentary follows the lives of several individuals involved in the polio vaccination campaign, including health workers who risk their lives to administer vaccines in regions where the disease is prevalent.
It also explores the cultural and societal barriers that hinder vaccination efforts, such as mistrust of Western medicine and religious beliefs.
Every Last Child sheds light on the critical importance of polio vaccination in the fight against the disease and the determination of those working to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
The film serves as both an informative piece on public health challenges and a human story of dedication and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pakistan
These documentaries about Pakistan provide a range of perspectives on Pakistan’s complex social, political, and cultural landscape.
For more on Pakistan have a look at my Kalash Valley travel guide.
And if you love nature and mountains take a look at my guide to hiking to Rakaposhi basecamp.
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