Pakistani television series are widely watched throughout the world, and we should be proud of them. The drama’s appeal stems from its gripping story, as well as the director’s terrific direction, amazing characters, and equally excellent acting talents. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 20 Most Popular Pakistani Dramas of the Pakistani drama industry that you should watch.
1. Dastan- 2010
Writer: Samira Fazal
Director: Haissam Hussain
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Sanam Baloch, Samina Peerzada, Saba Qamar, Ahsan Khan, Fawad Khan, Mehreen Raheel, Affan Waheed, Babrik Shah, Saba Hameed, Daniyal Raheel, Anita Camphor, and others.
Being number one isn’t easy. It is not enough to be good; you must be outstanding. Dastaan isn’t your average serial or love story between two people. It’s a grand love tale between a country and its citizens.
Dastaan is the best Pakistani drama that portrayed the narrative of Hassan and Bano, who were ripped apart by forces beyond their control during the crucial phase of Partition and Independence. The sheer magnitude and intricacy of such a project would intimidate anybody, yet director Haissam Hussain handled it with the type of next-level ingenuity for which he is known.
This drama stands out from the rest by utilizing numerous locales, a large star cast, and political sensitivities and historical facts while keeping a necessary balance.
Fawad Khan, Sanam Baloch, Ahsan Khan, Saba Qamar, and Mehreen Raheel delivered outstanding performances that matched Samira Fazal’s fantastic writing.
2. Daam- 2010
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Mehreen Jabbar
Producer: Abdullah Kadwani and Humayun Saeed
Cast: Adeel Husain, Sanam Baloch, Aamina Sheikh, Sanam Saeed
On a hot summer day, this rare treasure of a serial is like a long refreshing glass of water.
The exquisite minimalist approach of director Mehreen Jabbar masterfully captures this sharply observed narrative of friendship and sorrow. Umera Ahmed’s script is one of her most mature and complete, clever and sophisticated in its grasp of the human condition.
3. Meri Zaat Zara-e-Benishan- 2010
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Babar Javed
Producer: Abdullah Kadwani and Humayun Saeed
Cast: Faysal Qureshi, Samiya Mumtaz, Adnan Siddiqui, Imran Abbas, Samina Peerzada
With great performances by Samiya Mumtaz and Faysal Qureshi, this was the best milestone in Pakistani television. This horrifying incident demonstrated how the ideas of modesty and virtue may be used to oppress a woman.
This story does not provide forgiveness or atonement; rather, it serves as a reminder that certain things are just unchangeable. Anyone who views this will be reminded of Babar Javed’s former abilities.
4. Humsafar- 2011
Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq
Director: Sarmad Khoosat
Producer: Momina Duraid Nina Kashif
Cast: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Naveen Waqar, Atiqa Odho, Hina Bayat, Noor Hassan
Some things stand out from the crowd because they are so simple and obvious.
Humsafar was the most lovable show that catapulted Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan to fame. Director Sarmad Khoosat and Farhat Ishtiaq gave us more than a love story; they gave us a map of the human heart and an intimate understanding of the most profound feelings two people can have for one another. With romance, envy, sadness, and eventually the triumph of forgiveness, this was one of the greatest serials ever filmed.
5. Khuda Aur Mohabbat- 2011, and 2017
Writer: Hashim Nadeem
Directors:
Season 1: Anjum Shehzad
Season 2: Syed Ali Raza Usama
Producer: Javeria Saud
Cast: Imran Abbas, Sadia Khan, Kubra Khan, Salman Shahid, Firdous Jamal, Khalid Butt, Shafqat Cheema, Fazila Qazi, Rambo, and others.
Hashim Nadeem’s work Khuda Aur Mohabbat was adapted into a theatre. The plot of Khuda Aur Mohabbat is centered on Hammad’s journey from loving a human person to discovering his Creator’s love through that. The love tale between Hammad and Imaan was one of a kind. Their love is scrutinized by societal barriers, and they are unable to be together. This work has been adapted into two plays. One was released in 2011; the other was released in 2017. This drama serial is ranked in all-time top dramas of Pakistan.
6. Maat- 2011
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Amna Nawaz khan
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Aamina Sheikh, Saba Qamar, Adnan Siddiqui,
Maat is another Famous drama of Pakistan in which sisters, Aiman (Aamina Sheikh) and Saman (Saba Qamar) have quite different perspectives on life. Saman desires a wealthy spouse who can provide for her, whereas Aiman believes in satisfaction and sacrifice. Their paths cross, resulting in a problematic married existence, with Aiman raising Saman’s son. Saman’s drive for more and deceiving others along the way leads to her demise, while Aiman, lifelong suffering, finds happiness with her kid.
7. Zindagi Gulzar Hai- 2012
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Sultana Siddiqui
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Sanam Saeed, Fawad Khan, Mansha Pasha, Ayesha Omar, Waseem Abbas, Samina Peerzada, Hina Bayat
This drama was a famous phenomenon that boosted the gradual stream of cultural interchange into a flood of cross-border friendship by making its stars extremely famous in both Pakistan and India. Sanam Saeed, Samina Peerzada, and Fawad Khan gave outstanding performances, making this serial a worldwide hit.
8. Durr-e-Shehwar- 2012
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Haissam Hussain
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Mikaal Zulfikar, Sanam Baloch, Samina Peerzada, Nadia Jamil, Nauman Ejaz, Umer Naru
This drama is the best illustration of a textbook by a good director’s power. What might have easily been a well-written suspense novel turned into an essay on marriage and the shifting expectations of modern relationships?
Director Haissam Hussain kept the pace going in what could have been simply another mazloom aurat (helpless lady) drama by using a brilliant balance of past, present, and near history.
Shandana (Nadia Jamil), Durr-e-(Samina Shehwar’s Peerzada) daughter, has been married for over a decade. Still, her marriage has reached a roadblock, and she decides to spend some time at her parents’ residence. Shandana’s mother tells her about the early years of her marriage when she starts thinking about divorce. She describes how her spouse was first uncaring and uninterested in her. The play explores the patience and work necessary to preserve relationships.
Sanam Baloch, Mikaal Zulfikaar, Nadia Jamil, and Samina Peerzada gave memorable performances, making this serial feel like a hidden entrance into every woman’s history.
9. Shehr-e-Zaat- 2012
Writer: Umera Ahmed
Director: Sarmad Khoosat
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Mahira Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Mohib Mirza, Samina Peerzada
In this best spiritual awakening story, Mahira Khan and Mikaal Zulfiqar excelled.
In what can only be characterized as a modern-day fairytale, this novel tackled some complex topics such as our easy acceptance of consumerism, our lack of empathy for those around us, and the secret to genuine contentment. Much more than Humsafar, this serial displayed director Sarmad Khoosat’s distinctive aesthetic and allegorical directing style.
10. Pyaray Afzal- 2013
Writer: Khalil ur Rehman Qamar
Director: Nadeem Baig
Producer: Humayun Saeed, Shahzad Nasib
Cast: Hamza Ali Abbasi, Aiza Khan, Sana Javed, Firdous Jamal, Saba Hamid, Sohai Ali Abro, Umer Naru, Anoushay Abbasi
Although most serials focus on female protagonists, Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar’s beautifully written drama introduced us to Afzal Subhanallah, a male protagonist.
It should have been evident that Afzal would break our hearts. Flawed, broken, and forever the foolish-optimist. Under the expert guidance of director Nadeem Baig, Hamza Ali Abbasi shot stardom with his fantastic performance.
This Famous serial maintained a high level of quality, thanks to outstanding performances from Firdous Jamal, Saba Hamid, and Aiza Khan. Some might argue that it should be higher on the list, so why is it at No. 9? The simple answer is that it is a minor retaliation for the assassination of our Afzal.
11. Bashar Momin- 2014
Writer: Zanjabeel Asim
Director: Syed Ali Raza Usama
Producer: Babar Javed & Faisal Qureshi
Cast: Faisal Qureshi, Mariyam Khalif, Sami Khan, Jinaan Hussain, Maheen Rizvi, Ushna Shah
Bashar Momin is Pakistan’s most costly drama to date. It falls into the following categories: jealousy, love, hatred, romance, and suspense. It tells the story of a wealthy man who adores his three sisters but is cruel to his wife Rudaba because of them.
12. Sadqay Tumharay- 2015
Writer: Khalil ur Rehman
Director: Mohammed Ehteshamuddin
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Mahira Khan, Adnan Malik
Sadqay Tumhare is a famous Pakistani drama series that airs on Hum TV and is based on the life of the show’s Creator, Khalil-Ur-Rehman Qamar. In the drama, Mahira Ali portrays Shano, and Adnan Malik portrays Khalil. The drama series revolved around two cousins who were engaged throughout their childhood but had never met.
They fall in love when they finally meet after years apart. They are, however, separated by a series of twists and turns, and their relationship is strained. Other schemes to keep the two apart were devised, including Shanos’ mother hanging herself. After so many struggles, the two had finally fallen in love.
13. Udaari- 2016
Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq
Screenplay: Farhat Ishtiaq
Director: Mohammed Ehteshamuddin
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Samiya Mumtaz, Bushra Ansari, Ahsan Khan, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Hina Altaf Khan
Udaari is a famous Pakistani drama serial, Sheedan (Bushra Ansari) and Sajida (Samiya Mumtaz) are two close friends who are like sisters in the play. Majid is Sheedan’s husband (Rehan Sheikh). Sajida is a widowed woman. The story depicts a young girl who becomes incredibly successful when her lover dumps her.
14. Man Mayal- 2016
Writer: Samira Fazal
Director: Haseeb Hassan
Producers: Momina Duraid, Samina Humayun Saeed, Sana Shahnawaz, Tariq Shah
Cast: Hamza Ali Abbasi, Maya Ali, Gohar Rasheed, Ayesha Khan, Aiman Khan
This is a famous serial whose plot revolves around two neighbors, Manahil and Salahuddin. When Manahil fails her exams, her father hires a neighbor, Salahuddin, to tutor her. They fall in love, but Salahuddin refuses to marry Manahil due to their different socioeconomic classes. Instead, he goes, pleading with Manahil to accept Mikael’s proposal on the grounds that he is affluent and could better care for her.
Salahuddin leaves to work for his friend Ifti’s firm in Karachi while Manahil marries Mikael. Ifti’s father, Rehman, is suffering from cancer and is being mistreated when he meets him. Rehman leaves Salahuddin his will, and he watches after him. After six years, Salahuddin appears to be wealthy, whilst Manahil appears to be abused by her husband.
Jenna, Salahuddin’s coworker, is smitten with him and wants to marry him. Salahudin regrets letting Manahil marry Mikaeel and vows to recover her when he learns about her. The second half depicts Salahuddin’s effort to prove his love for Manahil when she divorces her husband, as well as Jeena’s plots to keep them apart.
15. Aesi Hai Tanhai- 2017
Writer: Mohsin Ali
Director: Badar Mehmood
Producer: Fahad Mustafa, Dr. Ali Kazmi
Cast: Sonia Hussain, Sami Khan, Nadia Khan, and Saba Hameed.
The narrative of a collegiate couple who are madly in love yet have a defect in their relationship is told in this popular Pakistani drama. The child, Hamza, questioned her feelings, stating she shouldn’t be hesitant to share her intimate photos with him if she trusted him.
When the snatchers pulled her phone away from her, Pakeeza was about to surprise her with the personal photos on her phone, but the photos spread like a scent in the air, humiliating her. From her own family’s abandonment to rape and torture, there was nothing that wasn’t ready to embrace her.
This drama’s story is highly relevant to today’s youth, which is why I’ve placed it in the top 20. The thought of what may happen if we become entangled in forbidden relationships gave us shivers.
16. Alif Allah Aur Insaan- 2017
Writer: Qaisra Hayat
Director: Ahson Talish
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ushna Shah, Shehzad Sheikh, Kubra Khan, Imran Ashraf, Sana Fakhar
Alif Allah Aur Insaan is a famous drama about five people with very varied origins, faiths, and convictions. It emphasizes the theme of how Allah, the Creator, rewards those who labor hard and patiently.
17. Baaghi- 2017
Writer: Shazia Khan
Director: Farooq Rind
Producer: Nina Kashif
Cast: Saba Qamar Osman Khalid Butt Khalid Malik Ali Kazmi Sarmad Khoosat Yasir Hussain Nimra Khan Yasir Nawaz Ismat Zaidi Nadia Afgan Hareem Farooq Nomi Ansari Goher Mumtaz Ahmed Godil Irfan Khoosat
Baaghi is the famous biographical television show based on the controversial character Qandeel Baloch, who was assassinated in July 2016 by her brother for the sake of honor. The story revolves around a rebellious country girl who aspires to be a showgirl and falls in love with a man who promises to fulfill her aspirations. Before marrying her, he betrays her and refuses to do so afterward. He makes her do everything around the house and listens to her poisonous mother’s lies, which leads to him physically beating her.
She decides to leave the hamlet, her family, and her child after receiving no help from anybody. Her previous flash and glitter lifestyle was nothing like the one she was living today. She has overcome several challenges and setbacks, but she has yet to realize her ambitions of being a renowned model, singer, or actress. As a result, she becomes a combative social media figure for the sake of fame.
Baaghi is a biographical television show based on the controversial character Qandeel Baloch, who was assassinated in July 2016 by her brother for the sake of honor. The story revolves around a rebellious country girl who aspires to be a showgirl and falls in love with a man who promises to fulfill her aspirations. Before marrying her, he betrays her and refuses to do so afterward. He makes her do everything around the house and listens to her poisonous mother’s lies, which leads to him physically beating her.
She decides to leave the hamlet, her family, and her child after receiving no help from anybody. Her previous flash and glitter lifestyle was nothing like the one she was living today. She has overcome several challenges and setbacks, but she has yet to realize her ambitions of being a renowned model, singer, or actress. As a result, she becomes a combative social media figure for the sake of fame.
18. Raanjha Raanjha Kardi- 2018
Writer: Faiza Iftikhar
Director: Kashif Nisar
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Iqra Aziz Imran Ashraf Syed Jibran Asma Abbas Kashif Mehmood Munazzah Arif Ammara Butt Ismat Iqbal
In this famous series, Iqra Aziz plays Noori, the daughter of destitute parents who earn a life gathering rubbish off the streets. Noori was never a fan of the way of life or the penalties that came with it. Nevertheless, she moved to a city to work at a factory because she desired a better life.
Over the course of the film, she meets two new people: Bhola, a wealthy young boy, and Sahir (Syed Jibran), a shopkeeper and a selfish man in general, with whom she falls in love. Sahir has put Noori through a lot, from being sexually harassed to stealing and going to jail. Even yet, She suffers from Sahir’s brutal treachery, and her family arranges her marriage to Bhola.
Their relationship begins with Noori’s revulsion, which evolves into an uncommon love story in which she gives birth to Bhola’s son in the last episode, and they live their own unique fairytale together.
19. Do Bol- 2019
Writer: Sarwat Nazir
Director: Syed Wajahat Rauf
Producer: Humayun Saeed, Shahzad Nasib, Samina Humayun Saeed, and Sana Shahnawaz
Cast: Hira Mani, Affan Waheed
The famous drama series ‘Do Bol’ tells the narrative of two people from diverse origins. Geeti, played by Hira Salman, is a lovely young lady with a pleasant disposition who is adored by many. She is from a well-to-do family. Baddar and Geeti are both victims of their circumstances, doomed to spend the rest of their lives together.
20. Meray Paas Tum Ho- 2020
Writer: Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar,
Directorr: Nadeem Baig
Producer: Humayun Saeed, Shahzad Nasib
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan and Adnan Siddiqui.
Even love isn’t always enough to keep some individuals happy. Meray Paas Tum Ho is the best Pakistani drama about an everyday couple, Danish and Mehwish, who have very different wants and mindsets and are gradually drifting apart.
Mehwish, played by Ayeza Khan, is a lovely girl from a middle-class household. She is happily married to Danish, who adores her. She has certain life expectations that Danish is unable to meet.
Danish portrays Humayun Saeed as a straightforward and honest government employee. Mehwish, his wife, is the center of his universe. They have a wonderful life together, but despite Danish’s best efforts, he is unable to provide Mehwish with the life she loves.
Shees Sajji Gul, often known as Roomi, is the sole child of Mehwish and Danish parents.
Shehwaar, played by Adnan Siddiqui, is a wealthy and charming man. He has a crafty temperament and is skilled at manipulating others. He is the owner of a vast corporation where Mehwish begins his career.
Other famous dramas;
1. Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon- 2011
Writer: Sarwat Nazir
Director: Babar Javed
Producer: A & B Productions
Cast: Fahad Mustafa, Alishba Yusef, Aamina Sheikh, Faysal Qureshi, Sana Askari, Saba Hameed & others.
Even now, Mein Abdul Qadir Hoon is one of the rare and famous Pakistani dramas that depict the problems of a young guy rather than a lady. In an era when most stories concentrated on women, the narrative concentrated on a male protagonist. From a young mama’s boy to a hot and spoilt grown-up gentleman to a devout dude, the narrative follows a young mama’s son. The narrative has a spiritual element to it, which is reflected in how it is seen in current society.
2. Numm- 2013
Writer: Myra Sajid
Director: Ahsan Talish
Producer: Amjad Hashmi
Cast: Fawad Khan, Sania Saeed, Kanza, Wayne, Usman Peerzada, Farah Shah, Munazza Arif
Numm’s story is about the harsh standards and customs of feudal times, as well as their effects. Fawad, Sania, and Kanza are the three main protagonists in the series. It depicts how out-of-date customs and practices affect the triangle’s interaction. Wali Bakht Khan, played by Fawad Khan, is the family’s eldest and most prominent member. In the United Kingdom, he acquired his schooling. After returning from Oxford with a graduate degree, he is forced to marry Neelum Akbar Khan. It is later learned, however, that he was previously married to Mahjabeen, who now works as a servant at his home.
3. Diyar-e-Dil- 2015
Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq
Director: Haseeb Hassan
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Abid Ali Osman Khalid Butt Maya Ali Sanam Saeed Mikaal Zulfiqar Hareem Farooq Ali Rehman Khan
The is the famous story of Bakhtiyar’s family, which split apart long ago as a result of his son Behroze’s refusal to marry his father’s choice, Arjumand, and instead decided to marry Ruhina Arsalan. The narrative emphasizes the significance of love and caring in a relationship.
4. Bin Roye- 2015
Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq
Director: Shahzad Kashmiri
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan, Armeena Khan
The major protagonists in the play “Bin Roye” are Saba (Mahira Khan) and Irtaza. They grew up together as cousins and close friends. Irtiza grants Saba’s wishes, and the two are good friends. Saba falls in love with him right once, but Irtaza decides to continue his education in America, where he meets his cousin Saman. They fall in love and are married when Saman’s parents die, and she moves to Pakistan.
Saba learns that Saman is not only her cousin but also her sister, but her love for her cousin swiftly turns to hatred when she learns that the two are getting married. She blames Saman on her wedding day, stating she should have died rather than ruining her life and stealing her love. In the end, they marry and go to the United States. Saba marries a man who has a secret that she keeps hidden from the rest of the world. He has never been head over heels in love with her. He is no longer married to her. Irtaza finds the truth, and she ultimately tells him about her feelings. They talk about it and come up with a lot of reasons to be happy.
5. Suno Chanda- 2018
Writer: Saima Akram Chudhery
Director: Ahson Talish
Producer: Momina Duraid
Cast: Iqra Aziz Farhan Saeed Mashal Khan Nabeel Zuberi Samina Ahmad Nadia Afgan Farhan Ali Agha Farah Shah Sohail Sameer Mizna Waqas Ali Safina Tara Mahmood Adnan Shah Tipu Mohammad Ahmed
This famous serial’s plot revolves around two cousins who share a family. Arsalan Jamshed Ali and Ajiya Nazakat Ali are Farhan Saeed’s Arsalan Jamshed Ali and Ajiya Nazakat Ali (Iqra Aziz). Because of their dying grandfather’s desires, they married against their will. Both accept their vows (Nikaah) but do not live together since the Rukhsati has not yet been performed. As children, Arsal and Jiya, who were cousins, were exceptionally close.
They like making each other laugh, but their unanticipated and unwelcome marriage has put them in a combative situation. Both Jiya and Arsal are averse to marriage and want to prevent it. They finally split up and sought other partners after a lot of controversy and family conflict. When they discover they are a fantastic match for one other, the scenario changes from them convincing their families not to marry them to them convincing their families to marry them. They finally get married and have a happy life together.
