Pakistani dramas are loved by the audience for their natural stories and acting. Many of our stars have become global sensations in the past decade after working in dramas. What makes a star memorable is their performance in a particular character. A good and viral character will live on for far longer than a drama.
Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan are still remembered as Asher and Khirad. Sanam Saeed is still referred to as Kashaf Murtaza by fans, while Ahmed Ali Akbar is recognised for his character Parizaad by the audience. Every year, we are introduced to a variety of memorable characters, and some have the potential to resonate so deeply that they elevate the story beyond its original plot.
Here is a list of the most viral characters of 2025:
Sanwal (Sanwal Yaar Piya)
Sanwal Yaar Piya was one of the most anticipated Pakistani dramas of the year. Though it has many big stars in the show, Ahmed Ali Akbar as Sanwal stood out the most. The character is flamboyant and flashy, but it still doesn’t look cringeworthy. Ahmed played it really well. The touch of the Siraiki accent has added more to the appeal of Sanwal. Sanwal has become a fan favourite, and every fan of the show wants him to win Piya in the end.
Surraiya (Main Manto Nahi Hoon)
Saima Noor made her Pakistani drama comeback with Main Manto Nahi Hoon. The drama started strong, but the story fizzled out till the end. But Saima Noor as Surraiya stood out from the very first episode. Surraiya was the strongest and most consistent character on Main Manto Nahi Hoon. She was able to overshadow the biggest stars of Pakistan, and this is a character that will live on for years to come.
Farhad (Main Manto Nahi Hoon)
Farhad Binyamin was the negative lead of Main Manto Nahi Hoon. Azaan Sami Khan played his first villainous character since his debut in Pakistani dramas. He stood out from the very beginning, and fans loved him till the end. His character was so loved that fans wanted Mehmal to end up with him instead of Manto or Hazrat.
Ammar Bakhtiyar (Qarz e Jaan)
Qarz-e-Jaan was another hit Pakistani drama of 2025. The story was great, the direction and performances were top-notch. But what this drama did most was put Nameer Khan on the map. He played the character of Ammar Bakhtiyar, a villain with a sad backstory. Fans loved him more than any other character on the show, including the one played by Yumna Zaidi. Nameer Khan has become a fan favourite since, and his fans want to see him in more intense roles.
Sher (Sher)
Sher was the most-watched Pakistani drama of 2025. Danish Taimoor played a green flag character after a long time, and fans loved him in the show. The character Sher went through a rollercoaster journey as he was connived against, sent to a mental institution, and later returned to take revenge. Sher became a beloved character, and people compared him to Simba from The Lion King.
Shah Taj Phupho (Sher)
Sher was the most-watched Pakistani drama of the year 2025. Apart from the lead character, Sher, one character that won the audience was Shah Taj Phupho, played by Arjumand Rahim. This character had a superb arc, and the audience went from hating her to loving her over the whole run of the show. Arjumand pulled off a great performance, and she was the representation of Pakistani phuphos in this drama.
Dureshehwar (Do Kinaray)
Dureshehwar, played by Momina Iqbal in the hit Pakistani drama Do Kinaray, was loved by everyone. The character became so popular that it transformed an average show into a huge hit. Momina Iqbal did a fabulous job as she created a whole mannerism for the character. The styling she brought to this character was phenomenal and converted it into one of the most viral characters of 2025.
Shahnawaz Shah (Iqtidar)
Shahnawaz Shah was a character played by Ali Raza. Ali Raza is a new actor in Pakistani dramas, and he was able to become a household name due to the character of Shahnazawz Shah. The character is of a suave and headstrong politician. Head the style, a good balance between green flag and red flag energy and romance. Ali Raza carried the show with this character, and the drama ended up stretching due to the immense love and ratings it was achieving.
Malika (Pamaal)
Pamaal is a Pakistani drama which has started several debates around how a marriage should be and the prospective attitude of a young couple when they are dealing with family problems. Saba Qamar plays the protagonist Malika, and she has, hands down, become the most discussed character on Pakistani television. Many people love her and relate to her, while others are not able to understand where she is coming from. Malika is one character who not only went viral due to Saba Qamar’s strong performance but also started important discussions in society.
Roshi/Ayat (Meem Se Mohabbat)
Meem Se Mohabbat is another Pakistani drama that won the audience with its simple story and good performance. The lead character, Roshi, was one such character who went viral. Dananeer Mobeen was able to get noticed from the very first episode. She was at first criticised for being too child-like and naive, but she was able to carry the range of Roshi’s transformation from a simple girl into a wise young woman who has seen the realities of society.
Sir Talha (Meem Se Mohabbat)
Ahad Raza Mir made his Pakistani drama comeback after a small hiatus with Meem Se Mohabbat. The show went on to become one of the most successful shows of the year 2025. Ahad played the role of a brooding and single adoptive father who has a baggage of the past. The way he transforms after meeting Roshi into a more open and care-free man was brilliantly portrayed by Ahad Raza Mir, and also made the character go viral.
Sameer (Parwarish)
Abul Hassan made his debut in Pakistani dramas with Parwarish. This drama was impactful and important, and all the characters carried a message. Abl Hassan played a young teenager from Pakistan today. He was open, tolerant, kind, and sometimes took life easy. At the same time, he was hilarious, which added to the charm of this character. Sameer was probably the most viral character from Parwarish, and everyone loved him.
Nihaal (Dayan)
Nihaal marked the television comeback of Mehwish Hayat. The Pakistani drama Dayan gained attention for its entertaining albeit incongruous narrative, which inspired a variety of memes. Mehwish Hayat’s portrayal of Nihaal went viral, captivating audiences with her character’s evolution from a goggle-wearing individual to a sophisticated Western-styled diva. Her standout moments, including her memorable presence during the original soundtrack (OST), kept the character at the forefront of discussions both during and after the show’s airing.
Which of these viral characters from Pakistani dramas of 2025 did you love? Share with us!
