The stereotype for female characters in Pakistani media is usually one-dimensional.
Which is why the following 6 examples stick out like a soar thumb. So let’s just get into it. Here are Pakistani dramas that aren’t afraid to showcase a strong female in it’s lead role; 1- SHEHR-E-ZAAT
Sarmad Khoosat, is a Pakistani actor, film/TV director, producer and screenwriter best known for directing the TV dramas Humsafar and Shehr-e-Zaat. The latter drama portrays the spiritual awakening of a woman, who was once a spoiled and entitled brat. Mahira Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Mohib Mirza and Samina Peerzada in the lead among other prominent actors. This drama packs a punch, showing us how materialistic our society has become and how far we have moved away from our religion and its message of humanity. It is must watch if you haven’t already, and if you have, this summer revisit the classic and awe in the beauty that is Mahira Khan. 2- YAQEEN KA SAFAR
This drama became a sensation due to the tremendous acting by nely engaged couple, Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali. It showed us the hardships women face in a middle-class household and how Dr. Zubia Khalil faced her worst fears yet came out stronger than before. If you are looking for a good love story without the cringy clichés that are so common in dramas, then look no further Yaqeen Ka Safar ticks all the right boxes. 3- DASTAAN
A historical drama with a purpose, the lead Bano played by Sanam Balooch is the star of the show. She is the reason why it has become a classic Pakistani drama and alongside her is Fawad Khan playing Hassan. It is a visual treat seeing the two together on screen, portraying a pure romance seldom found in dramas today. Watch this drama with a tissue box ready by your side, because the hardships Bano endures you can’t help but shed a few tears. 4- DIGEST WRITER
Saba Qamar is one of my favorite actresses and has shown a huge spectrum of her acting skills, and has acquired acclaim from across the border as well for her film Hindi Medium. She plays the main lead in digest writer and portrays a strong and resilient woman. Her hopes and dreams are often shown as un-achievable but she follows her passion of writing and succeeds in getting published and becoming successful. This drama is centered around the female lead with little of no mention of romance, which is refreshing to see. We are not just the men we love. 5- DHOOP KINARAY
If you haven’t seen this PTV classic then you are surely missing out. It is a beautiful depiction of woman in the workforce and shows a clam yet strong female lead Dr Zoya Ali Khan played by Marina Khan. It was a very soothing drama without any staunch graphics or extravagant sets, it was centered on the lives of very multi-faceted characters and hence audience members like myself binge watched it in a single day. If you have time to watch one Pakistani drama during your summer, make it this one. 6- UDAARI
Udaari was a critically acclaimed drama that raised important social issues such as child abuse, women empowerment and respecting artists. The ladies of Udaari are beloved for their brilliant performances. Urwa Hocane as Meera, Bushra Ansari as Rasheeda Bibi, Samiya Mumtaz as Sajida Bibi and Areesha Ahsan as young Zebo and lastly Hina Altaf as adult Zebo. This drama raised many social issue without being monotonous and boring which many “socially conscious” dramas are, this changed the discussion completely around child abuse and was a positive step in the right direction