Pakistani dramas have been addressing social issues since their inception. Although there was a period in the early 2000s when Pakistani dramas adopted a style similar to that of ‘Star Plus’, they have since made a strong comeback. Today, many Pakistani dramas focus on real-life problems, even amidst a variety of clichéd stories with similar plots. However, Pakistani society is characterized by several cultural restrictions, and the media often faces significant censorship, making it challenging for drama creators to address certain sensitive topics. Despite these obstacles, many subjects that are generally considered taboo have been handled effectively and sensitively in quite a few Pakistani dramas recently.
Here is a list of the latest Pakistani dramas that address taboo topics intelligently without offending cultural sensibilities:
Mann Jogi
Mann Jogi starring Bilal Abbas Khan, Gohar Rasheed, and Sabeena Farooq looked like a story made on the very taboo topic of Halala and how the concept is wrongfully used in Pakistan but in the depths of it, the drama dealt with the wrongful use of Masjid, politically motivating mob mentality and mob violence. We have unfortunately seen a rise in the cases of mob violence in the past few years and everyone goes unpunished. The topic is too difficult for Pakistani dramas to pick up. Team Mann Jogi beautifully addressed it without causing any stir and showed how religious teachers and the police can join hands to eliminate this mob mentality from society. It was one of the best Pakistani dramas that aired this year.
Kabli Pulao
Kabli Pulao was an out of the box love story and people appreciated the chemistry between Haji Mushtaq and Barbeena but at the root of it, the drama addressed the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Living here for around 50 years now, many of their generations never got a real footing anywhere and they had to marry off their daughters just to get them to a bit of safety or for the temporary monetary requirements. Kabli Pulao is one among Pakistani dramas that addressed the issues of Afghan refugees in a subtle but effective manner without insulting any community.
Jo Bichar Gaye
Jo Bichar Gaye starring Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali shed light on what went down in Dhaka in 1971. Yes, it tells the story from the Pakistani point of view only but it was still an attempt to talk about a historical incident that is generally brushed under the carpet. The drama also had some strong performances and it did not offend any community either.
Guru
Guru is another Pakistani drama that dealt with sensitive topics and a community that is shunned and never given any opportunity by society. Ali Rehman Khan played the intersex Guru and showed the emotions and obstacles faced by the intersex in Pakistan. He was brilliant in his role and showcased the emotions of a parent as well as a person fighting the hypocritical standards of this society in a beautiful manner.
Zard Patton Ka Bunn
The recently concluded show Zard Patton Ka Bunn is another Pakistani drama that brilliantly dealt with several themes that are not spoken about on our mainstream media now. The makers addressed the behemoth issue of overpopulation, lack of educational facilities for girls, unavailability of basic health care in the rural areas of the country as well as child labour. All the themes were addressed in a light manner without making the drama overly heavy to consume.
Shanaas
Shanaas was another great attempt done on Green TV. Pakistani dramas generally do not speak about the topic of adoption and how it is still not acceptable in society when we have so many orphans and street children in the country. Shanaas showed how parenthood comes from bringing up a child and not merely by giving birth to one. A beautiful attempt and a much-needed story on television for sure!
Nadaan
Sultana Siddiqui has completed 50 years in the industry and she is bringing unique Pakistani dramas with stories that matter. Her recent presentation is Nadaan starring Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ramsha Khan and Hammad Shoaib. The show tackles the growing problem of drugs in society and how powerful people with political backing bend justice according to their will. Tackling the increasing issue of Ice in Pakistan was not a topic expected of Pakistani dramas recently but here we are and in a good way.
Razia
Razia is a mini-series that aired on Express TV. Starring big names like Mahira Khan, Mohib Mirza, Momal Sheikh, Shaheera Jalil Al Basit and Kashif Hussain, Razia won everyone’s hearts. It is a story of how women are suppressed in this society systematically. From getting their favourite bicycle stolen from their dreams to domestic abuse and marital rape, every woman has a Razia in her and how one slap can change her destiny. A slap to patriarchy!
Mrs & Mr Shamim
Mrs & Mr Shamim had a huge pairing of Saba Qamar and Nauman Ijaz. This show was not approved by any big channel and it later ran on Zindagi or Zee5. The drama tackled AIDS and how it effects not only the victims of this disease but also their family members. Mrs & Mr Shamim showcased several added themes of infertility, femininity in men and abuse in an effective manner without sensationalizing any part.
Mayi Ri
Mayi Ri brought two young stars to the forefront. Aina Asif and Samar Jafri became household names and fans fell in love with the duo. Mayi Ri was a drama showing how common child marriages are in Pakistan and how this practice affects the lives of not only the young couple but their generations to come. The drama also tackled complications of teenage pregnancy and this is another Pakistani drama with its heart in the right place despite a lot of side sensationalism added to it.
It has been truly delightful to witness the shift in Pakistani dramas. All of these dramas fit the bill. Which Pakistani dramas do you think have done a great job of addressing taboo topics without adding unnecessary drama to the script? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
