A girl's guide to Pakistani dramas

A reflection on some of my favourite timeless Pakistani dramas and how they have shaped the genre today

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. Similar to my girl’s guide to Olivia Rodrigo, I thought I’d do an in-depth approach to my favourite Pakistani dramas, why I love each of them and why they should be added to your watchlist asap! I love love love my Pakistani dramas hehe so I can’t wait to show you guys what I’ve been loving to watch these past few years and I hope this guide will convince you to watch them too. Let’s get into it!

Parwarish (2025) dir. by Meesam Naqvi, starring Aina Asif and Samar Jafri

Currently airing now, Parwarish follows the story of Wali (Samar Jafri) and his family as they move from their home in America back to Pakistani to live with his father’s extended family. He studies Medicine and then meets Maya (Aina Asif) and they begin to fall in love with one another. As well as their love story, the drama touches on so many issues regarding generational conflict within Pakistani families and the issues that many younger generations face within this (I won’t go into this as it would be a major spoiler but it has been absolutely amazing so far!) One drama I will always recommend simply for its sheer amazing-ness at displaying these generational issues and what it teaches for audiences old and young alike.

Ishq Murshid (2024) dir. by Farooq Rind, starring Durefishan Saleem and Bilal Abbas Khan

Ishq Murshid is where an upper class boy Shahmeer (Bilal Abbas Khan), who is the son of a famous politician, falls in love with a working class girl Shibra (Durefishan Saleem) and woos her through his alternative personality Fazal Baksh whilst trying to keep up his political persona. I love this drama so much as I feel like it has been something so refreshing to see amidst the ‘typical’ Pakistani dramas usually seen on tv (usually full of melancholy and sadness). As well as this, Shibra is a headstrong and confident female protagonist which isn’t usually shown in Pakistani dramas too. Not to mention the gorgeous OST which has constantly been on repeat for me ever since it came out. If there was one drama I would always recommend, it would be this one!

Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum (2024) dir. by Badar Mehmood, starring Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa

Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is an opposites attract love story which follows the unlikely bond between Mustafa (Fahad Mustafa) and Sharjeena (Hania Aamir) after they are forced to marry one another when Mustafa’s brother Adeel decides to call off the marriage between him and Sharjeena. Again, this drama was really refreshing to see because it shows the highs and lows of married life but also how both Mustafa and Sharjeena came out stronger together in the end despite these obstacles coming their way. With another gorgeous OST I simply can’t get enough of, it’s hard not to fall in love with this drama so I would definitely recommend this one!

Yunhi (2023) dir. by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, starring Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf

Yunhi charts the journey of Kaneez (Maya Ali) as she goes back to Pakistan with her father. Although she has been brought up in the Western society of America. Kaneez experiences a ‘culture shock’ at first with the differences of how people live compared to back home in America but Dawood (Bilal Ashraf) teaches her about living in Pakistan and the beauty she can find in this. This drama really stuck with me as it showed me that people can teach you many valuable lessons in life and you can change for the better thanks to their love and support. It is definitely a favourite of mine and I’m due a rewatch soon so I cannot wait to experience these feelings again!

Sinf E Aahan (2022) dir. by Nadeem Baig, starring Kubra Khan and Sajal Aly

Sinf E Aahan follows the story of six headstrong, fearless and passionate women from many different walks of life as they decide to join the Pakistan Army as they strive to prove themselves to their families and society. I can’t really remember much of this drama but I loved the absolute female empowerment which was seen throughout the whole thing and how each of the girls united with one another despite their cultural and class differences as they were from different parts of Pakistan. Another one I’m due a rewatch of and need to do so asap!

Khuda Aur Mohabbat (2021) dir. by Syed Wahajat Hussain, starring Iqra Aziz and Feroze Khan

Khuda Aur Mohabbat follows the love story between Farhad (Feroze Khan) and Mahi (Iqra Aziz) as both come from differing backgrounds. Their story faces numerous obstacles as Farhad comes from a lower class background whilst Mahi is from an affluent family so she doesn’t reciprocate his romantic feelings towards her. However, whilst trying to seek Mahi’s love, Farhad then turns to his Creator and immerses himself in divine love instead in order to overcome his pain and heartbreak. The drama is very intense and definitely has star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet-esque vibes (I’ll keep my lips sealed about the ending!) but it’s one I would recommend simply for its sheer and utter beauty, including its stunning OST.

Chupke Chupke (2021) dir. by Danish Nawaz, starring Ayeza Khan and Osman Khalid Butt

Something different from the others I’ve recommended but Chupke Chupke is a romantic comedy following the story of strict and uptight Faazil (Osman Khalid Butt) who falls in love with clumsy and outgoing Maneeha (Ayeza Khan). Both marry each other but their love story takes tumultuous highs and lows as they adjust to one another’s personalities as they’re polar opposites of each other. I remember this drama being so so cute and making me laugh every second so if you’re looking for something funny and lighthearted to watch, this is the drama for you!

Suno Chanda (2018) dir. by Ahson Talish, starring Iqra Aziz and Farhan Saeed

Suno Chanda follows the unlikely love story between cousins Arsalan (Farhan Saeed) and Ajiya (Iqra Aziz) as the two gradually fall in love with one another and end up marrying each other. Again, this drama is one of those lighthearted, romantic comedy types and definitely one I would deem a classic of Pakistani television, if you haven’t watched it already how come and why?!? I looove the funny enemies to lovers storyline which takes place between Arsal and Jiya and if that doesn’t convince you enough to watch the drama, I don’t know what will.

So this is just a short rundown of my some of my favourite Pakistani dramas. I hope you guys enjoyed this piece as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know if you’ve watched any of these already and if any spark your interest!

Lots of love and hugs,

Halima <3