Top 21 Pakistani Dramas
Are you bored of your routine and are looking for a few hours of escape from the monotony of daily life. Are you looking for some Me Time where you can relax in front of your television set and watch something impactful or maybe just a light comedy to unwind after a long day?
Then you have reached the right place, for here is a list of 21 best Pakistani dramas. In 2000s we saw a decline in quality desi dramas but I, for one, am really glad that the directors and scriptwriters have managed to up their game again to provide the audiences with good and meaningful series. This list includes top desi dramas with subjects ranging from history to social issues, romance and comedy and (almost) everything in between.
1. Parizaad
2021-2022
cast
Ahmad Ali Akbar, Yumna Zaidi, Nauman Ijaz, Ushnah Shah, Mashal Khan, Saboor Aly, Urwa Hocane, Saad Azhar
Synopsis
Parizaad, which means “fairy’s child”, is a young man who faces various challenges and struggles stemming from him being opposite to society’s standards of beauty. He experiences judgement, bullying and isolation due to his physical appearance and only a few people are able to see the beauty of his soul. The drama explores the topics of self-acceptance, beauty standards defined by the society and the impact of societal attitudes on one’s self-worth. Throughout his journey, Parizaad meets different characters with their own take on beauty and norms. The drama questions and challenges the conventional notions of beauty and stresses on the value of inner beauty rather than the outward appearance. The rendition of the main character by Ahmad Ali Akbar has taken this drama to another level and the actor is now considered among the industry’s best performers and the drama is considered as one of the best Pakistani dramas so far.
2. Mere Paas Tum Ho
2019
Romance/Drama
Urdu
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar
23
35 – 40 min
cast
Humayun Saeed, Ayeza Khan, Adnan Siddiqui
Synopsis
The loyalty of your spouse is not a guarantee even when you marry for love! Mere Paas Tum Ho depicts the story of one such couple, Mehwish and Danish, who marry for love, but their marriage did not stand the test of time when the loyalty of the wife was challenged in the form of a wealthy and good looking business tycoon. Danish, a simple man, believed that love can conquer all but Mehwish wished for a luxurious life. When Shehwar, her rich boss, proposed her an affair, her lust for money won and she left her husband of many years and a young son heartbroken. By the time she realized her mistake, it was already too late. The rendition of the characters by the cast and the compelling script by Khail ur Rehman Qamar, touched the hearts of millions and therefore, the drama has earned a place in our list of top Pakistani dramas.
3. Zindagi Gulzar Hai
2012 – 2013
Romance/Social
Urdu
Umera Ahmad
26
40 – 45 min
cast
Sanam Saeed, Fawad Khan, Samina Pirzada, Mansha Pasha, Ayesha Omar
Synopsis
The story revolves around two characters; Kashaf and Zaroon. Kashaf, a very intelligent and hard working girl, is from a middle class family and has grown up watching her mother’s struggles due to which she has a somewhat pessimistic view of life. Zaroon is a charming, confident and outgoing man who belongs to an affluent family. Initially when Kashaf and Zaroon’s paths cross, their contrasting backgrounds and different perspectives on life spark conflict. However, with the passage of time, their opinions change and they begin to understand each other. The drama delves into the topics of women empowerment, class differences and family dynamics. It challenges the protagonists’ preconceived notions and social norms. Zindagi Gulzar Hai sheds light on complexities of relationships and the choices one makes to achieve their dreams. The drama is one of the most loved dramas due to its relatable theme and brilliant performances and hence, has made it to the list of top Pakistani dramas.
4. Yaqeen Ka Safar
2017
Romance/Medical Drama
Urdu
Farhat Ishtiaq
29
39 – 40 min
cast
Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir, Hira Mani, Shaz Khan, Farhan Ali Agha
Synopsis
This “journey of faith” touches themes of love, forgiveness, steadfastness in the face of adversity and the power of faith. Both the protagonists, Dr. Asfandyar, played by Ahad Raza Mir, and Dr. Zubia, played by Sajal Aly, carry emotional scars from tragic incidents in the past. Their paths cross when they start working in the same hospital. The drama shows us the journey of their personal struggles, relationship and evolution of their faith. The drama highlights the issue of gender inequality, family dynamics and stresses on the importance of education. The compelling script, strong character development and the impeccable rendition of characters have contributed to making this drama a masterpiece.
5. Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan
2009 – 2010
Tragedy/Family Drama
Urdu
Umera Ahmad
20
35 – 40 min
cast
Samiya Mumtaz, Faysal Qureshi, Adnan Siddiqui, Sarwat Gillani, Samina Pirzada, Khayyam Sarhadi
Synopsis
This masterpiece has made it to our list of best Pakistani dramas on the basis of not only the story but also the stellar performances of each member of the cast, especially Samiya Mumtaz, Khayyam Sarhadi and Samina Pirzada. The story revolves around the main character Saba, played by Samiya Mumtaz, showing how her closest relations mistrust her at the behest of her own family members, how she had to struggle throughout her life due to aspersions cast on her character by her own aunt and how, after strengthening her connection with God, she is able to forgive each one of her family members’ injustices against her.
6. Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi
2021
Drama
Urdu
Amna Mufti
24
36 – 40 min
cast
Yumna Zaidi, Yasra Rizvi, Omair Rana, Wahaj Ali, Nauman Ijaz, Samiya Mumtaz, Navid Shahzad
Synopsis
A compelling drama that touches a number of social issues including prostitution, human trafficking, child exploitation, controlling and coercive parenting and the harsh realities faced by the marginalized sections of the society. The drama highlights the psychological and emotional trauma faced by the victims and the untiring efforts of those who try to help them. The intense and bold storyline and the brilliant performances by the cast, especially Yumna Zaidi, set this drama apart from the others. This one definitely had to be included in our list of best dramas.
7. Dastaan
2010
Period drama
Urdu
Samira Fazal
23
38 – 40 min
cast
Sanam Baloch, Fawad Khan, Mehreen Raheel, Saba Qamar, Ahsan Khan
Synopsis
Dastaan is set against the partition of India in 1947. It’s the story of Bano and Hassan, who are in love and are engaged to be married, but the political and social upheaval of the time and the eventual partition tears them apart. The drama details the horrific experiences of displacement, violence and loss that not only both the characters, but thousands of people have gone through in reality. The two characters survive and reunite amidst chaos, little do they know a fresh wave of hopelessness and misery awaits on the other side. The story explores the topics of love, sacrifice and the human cost of historical events, presenting a picture of the lasting impact of partition on individual’s lives. Dastaan is a masterpiece when it comes to acting, direction, research, script and everything that goes into making a brilliant drama.
8. Diyar-e-Dil
2015
Romance/Family drama
Urdu
Farhat Ishtiaq
33
30 – 45 min
cast
Abid Ali, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sanam Saeed, Ali Rehman Khan, Hareem Farooq, Osman Khalid Butt, Maya Ali
Synopsis
This intergenerational drama highlights the importance of family, values and mutual respect. It is an adaptation of a novel by the same name written by Farhat Ishtiaq and revolves around a family that is torn apart when the rigidness of the family patriarch does not allow him to accept his son’s choice of spouse. What ensues is a decades long estrangement between father and son that has a ripple effect on the whole family. Most of the drama is shot against the picturesque backdrop of Gilgit-Balitistan. The crisp acting, superb direction and flawless script are few of the reasons why this great drama has made it to the list of our top Pakistani dramas.
9. Jackson Heights
2015
Drama
Urdu
Vasay Chaudhry
27
35 – 40 min
cast
Adeel Hussain, Amina Sheikh, Marina Khan, Nauman Ijaz, Ali Kazmi, Adnan Jaffer, Nilofer Abbasi
Synopsis
There are no shortcuts in life! This is the story of those Pakistanis who dream of going abroad and making it big. Little do they know about the hardships involved in establishing oneself in a foreign land. This drama tells the story of six Pakistanis who migrate to NYC in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights; Salma, a hard-working girl who works in a beauty salon and is the sole breadwinner in her family. Salma’s husband Sikander is a convict serving prison time. Imran Bhatti, a taxi driver, who is well respected in his community but is struggling because of his illegal Visa status. Jamshed, a graduate who thinks all his financial troubles will end once he reached USA, but what’s in store for him is nothing but a rude awakening. Michelle is a Pakistani Christian who owns a restaurant in Jackson Heights. Rizwan, an Indian Muslim, who is a banker and a close friend of Michelle, is secretly in love with her. The drama has made it to our list of top Pakistani dramas because its story resonates with that of a lot of desis who struggle through life in a foreign land, not to mention the superb script, direction and acting!
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10. Humsafar
2011 – 2012
Family drama/Romance
Urdu
Farhat Ishtiaq
23
38 – 42 min
cast
Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Naveen Waqar
Synopsis
The story revolves around the two main characters; Khirad, a simple girl from a middle-class family and Ashar, a well-educated young man from an affluent background. Ashar’s mother had planned to marry her only son to a friend’s daughter, Sara, but the circumstances are such that Ashar and Khirad had to get married, much to Ashar’s mother’s consternation. As time passes, they get to know each other and start falling in love with each other. However, misunderstandings created by Sara and Ashar’s mother create a rift between the two. The story thereon focuses on the trials faced by Khirad and Ashar as they navigate through the complexities of their relationship, on forgiveness and reconciliation. Humsafar catapulted Fawad Khan’s career to new heights and made Mahira Khan, a debutante at the time, a star overnight.
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11. Udaari
2016
Drama/Crime
Urdu
Farhat Ishtiaq
25
35 – 42 min
cast
Samiya Mumtaz, Ahsan Khan, Bushra Ansari, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Hina Altaf Khan, Areesha Ahsan
Synopsis
The drama starts by showing two friends, Sajida and Sheedaan, who live in the same village and are more like sisters than friends. Trouble starts, when Sajida, a widow, remarries her late husband’s friend Imtiaz. Till before their marriage, the whole village swears by Imtiaz’s good character and kindness, little do they know of the monster hiding behind the façade. Imtiaz tries to attack Sheedaan’s daughter Meera but she escapes. However, Sajida’s 10 year old daughter, Zebo, is not so lucky and she becomes a victim of child sexual abuse several times before she is able to muster enough courage to confide in her mother. The story touches the sensitive subject of child sexual abuse and portrays the struggles of the victim, her fight against the evil, the lifelong emotional effect such an ordeal has on the victim and how a mother can become a pillar of strength for her children. Udaari is a masterpiece by Farhat Ishtiaq and the brilliant acting by Ahsan Khan has elevated the drama to a whole new standard. It would definitely be a sin not to add this one to our list of best Pakistani dramas.
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12. Suno Chanda
2018 – 2019
Romantic comedy
Urdu
Saima Akram Chaudhry
60 (2 seasons)
35 – 42 min
cast
Iqra Aziz, Farhan Saeed, Nabeel Zuberi, Mashal Khan, Nadia Afgan, Samina Ahmed, Syed Muhammad Ahmed, Farhan Ali Agha, Ali Safina, Tara Mahmood, Adnan Shah Tipu, Farah Shah, Sohail Sameer, Sabeena Farooq, Arjumand Rahim, Aehsun Talish
Synopsis
With this drama, the concept of Ramadan dramas was introduced, where the audience can watch an episode of light romcom each day after iftar throughout Ramadan. The drama is set in a joint family backdrop and is known for its quirky characters and humor. Two cousins, Arsal and Jiya, get married to fulfill their ailing grandfather’s last wish. However, neither of them is interested in this marriage and they plan to get divorced without being blamed by the family members. What ensues is a string of hilarious familial interactions with an undertone of heartwarming and affectionate family ties. This drama is a must-watch if you are looking for something to unwind after a long day. The hilarious spontaneity of the characters, especially Nadia Afgan’s acting, will have you in stitches.
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13. Pyarey Afzal
2013 – 2014
Romance/Drama
Urdu
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar
37
38 – 40 min
cast
Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ayeza Khan, Sana Javed, Sohai Ali Abro, Saba Hameed, Firdous Jamal
Synopsis
The drama revolves around the life of Afzal, a young man belonging to a middle-class family, who becomes a gangster. His life takes a turn when he falls in love with a girl, Farah, who belongs to an affluent family. The story tracks the journey of Afzal as he navigates challenges of love, family and society. It is an emotional rollercoaster involving dramatic events. The compelling dialogues by none other than Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and Hamza Ali Abbasi’s brilliant acting talent elevate the drama to another level. Pyarey Afzal proved to be a turning point in Hamza Ali Abbasi’s acting career and catapulted him into instant stardom.
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14. Kis Ki Aayegi Baraat
2009 – 2012
Comedy
Urdu
Syed Muhammad Ahmed, Khadija Shah, Vasay Chaudhry, Bushra Ansari
46 (4 seasons)
38- 40 min
cast
Bushra Ansari, Saba Hameed, Javed Sheikh, Samina Ahmed, Ali Safina, Natasha Ali, Uroosa Siddiqui, Sana Askari, Asad Siddiqui, Naveen Waqar
Synopsis
This series, which includes several seasons, revolves around a Punjabi family. The central plot of each season focuses on the wedding of one family member. The series stars Bushra Ansari in a comic role as Saima Chaudhry and no other actor could have done justice to the role. The antics of Saima Chaudhry will leave the audience in fits. Each actor from the star-studded cast has done a brilliant job but the star of the show is definitely Bushra Ansari! The series can be watched a hundred times and still make the audience laugh, such is the humor quotient of the drama. It would be a grave omission if it’s not included in our list of top dramas.
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15. Bin Roye
2016 – 2017
Romance/Family drama
Urdu
Farhat Ishtiaq
17
38- 40 min
cast
Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Armeena Rana Khan
Synopsis
Bin Roye is a story of love, sacrifice, heartbreak and redemption. The main character Saba is secretly in love with Irtiza, but Irtiza falls in love with Saba’s sister Saman and marries her. The story takes a turn when Saman loses her life’s battle with an illness and Saba’s family marry her off to Irtiza. The story unfolds as Saba and Irtiza’s relationship evolves giving rise to complex emotions. The brilliant performances by Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed captivate the audience, evoking laughter, tears and a myriad of emotions aligned with the character’s emotions.
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16. Aangan
2017 – 2018
Family drama/Comedy
Urdu
Faiza Iftikhar
36
38- 40 min
cast
Qavi Khan, Samina Ahmed, Noor ul Hassan, Mansha Pasha, Isra Ghazal, Zainab Qayyum, Waseem Abbas, Hassan Ahmed, Iffat Umer, Yasra Rizvi, Paras Masroor, Uzma Hassan, Zia Gurchani,
Synopsis
It would be a serious oversight if this masterpiece were not included in our list of best dramas. Aangan is the story of an extended Punjabi family living under one roof; an old couple, their children and grandchildren. The drama does not have a main character, rather it touches the story of each individual of the family and beautifully describes the pros and cons of this living arrangement. Aangan does not show any stale narratives like saas-bahu problems, on the contrary it gives a perspective on how your family can become your biggest support system and explores topics like forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional family love. If you decide to watch this drama, which you should, then buckle up and be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster where you will laugh, cry and experience the whole range of emotions mirroring the sentiments of the characters themselves. Each actor has performed their role exceptionally well but Noor ul Hassan’s performance as Sajjad was par excellence.
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17. Alif
2019 – 2020
Drama/Spirituality
Urdu
Umera Ahmad
24
40- 42 min
cast
Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Aly, Ahsan Khan, Kubra Khan
Synopsis
Alif is a captivating journey of Momin, a successful filmmaker, and Momina, an aspiring actress. Momin’s quest is that of self-discovery aiming to re-establish his connection with his roots and to choose right from wrong, whereas Momina, who is burdened with the responsibility of her family, embarks on a journey of seeking to fulfil her duties in a dignified way and on her own terms. The drama also shows the story of Momin’s parents, Husn-e-Jahan and Taha, and how as a child, he could only see the reality partially and grew up with the assumption that his mother had betrayed his father. When the paths of the arrogant filmmaker and the struggling actress cross, both carrying burdens from their past, it leads them to understanding the meaning of the letter “Alif”, symbolizing the profound connection between an individual and their maker. The ace writer Umera Ahmad has given the industry a number of brilliant stories but Alif stands out as her most exceptional work. Ahsan Khan has played the role of Taha flawlessly. Kubra Khan, as Husn-e-Jahan, has proved her talent and versatility yet again. But the stars of the drama were Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sajal Ali!
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18. Daam
2010
Drama
Urdu
Umera Ahmad
18
38- 40 min
cast
Sanam Baloch, Aamina Sheikh, Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Nimra Bucha
Synopsis
This is the story of two friends, Mehak and Urooj. Mehak belongs to a lower-class family whereas Urooj hails from an affluent background. The drama explores the topics of class disparity, jealousy and how financial inequalities can strain the best of friendships. Tensions arise when Urooj’s family lends money to Mehak’s family. Daam sheds light on societal pressures and financial struggles faced by individuals in Pakistan, especially those belonging to the lower-class. Along with the story and direction, the drama owes its success to the brilliant acting skills displayed by the two main actors, Sanam Baloch and Aamina Sheikh. It’s an absolute must-watch and therefore had to be added to our list of top Pakistani dramas.
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19. Ranjha Ranjha Kardi
2018 – 2019
Social/Family drama
Urdu
Faiza Iftikhar
31
38- 40 min
cast
Imran Ashraf, Iqra Aziz, Syed Jibran, Asma Abbas, Kashif Mehmood
Synopsis
This is the story of Noori, a young girl from a lower-class family, who dreams of breaking free from her circumstances but is married to Bhola, a mentally challenged man, by her family. The drama explores the themes of selfless love, mental health, social norms and the struggles of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The drama is known for its strong performances, especially by Imran Ashraf as Bhola. Ranjha Ranjha Kardi received critical acclaim for its realistic depiction of social issues and garnered a separate fanbase for its compelling narrative.
20. Shehr-e-Zaat
2012
Drama/Spiritual
Urdu
Umera Ahmad
19
45- 50 min
cast
Mahira Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sameena Pirzada, Hina Khawaja Bayat, Mohib Mirza
Synopsis
The drama revolves around the main character Falak, who has a materialistic and a shallow approach towards life. However, after her failed marriage she undergoes a profound transformation as she questions all her long-held beliefs and superficiality of worldly pursuits and starts a spiritual journey of seeking a deeper connection with God. Shehr-e-Zaat is about self-discovery and how faith sets you free from worldly desires. The drama offers a thought-provoking narrative and with a strong performance by Mahira Khan, it has definitely earned a place among the top Pakistani dramas.
21. Ishq Jalebi
2021
Comedy/Family drama
Urdu
Saima Akram Chaudhry
33
30 min
cast
Madiha Imam, Wahaj Ali, Qavi Khan, Noor ul Hassan, Isra Ghazal, Hina Khawaja Bayat, Kashif Mehmood, Mehmood Aslam, Shaista Jabeen, Maryam Noor, Usama Khan
Synopsis
Ishq Jalebi revolves around multiple characters living in a close-knit family. It is an underrated comedy with a humor quotient so high that each episode will leave you in stitches. It explores love in all its forms, from romantic love to familial bonds and friendship, taking the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. This is, by far, one of the best comedies produced by the Pakistan drama industry and has therefore, been included in this list of top desi dramas.
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