PTV is Pakistan’s oldest television network, which began its transmission in November 1964. The entertainment channel was once widely admired for its classic dramas, quality productions, and educational content. Over the decades, PTV witnessed many highs and lows as different political governments and military regimes influenced its programming and policies. During the tenures of leaders like General Ayub Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, television experienced a relatively modern outlook. However, under General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, PTV adopted a much more conservative approach. The cultural impact of that era remained so significant that many believe Pakistani television never fully returned to the level of creative freedom it once enjoyed.
Recently, a clip from the 1970s PTV play Parchaiyaan has been making the rounds on social media. The scene features both older and younger women wearing bold sarees, with sleeveless blouses that have surprised many viewers from the current generation. The vintage fashion has sparked widespread discussion online, as many Pakistanis believe such attire would be considered too bold for television today. Watch the clip here:
Social media users were quite surprised by the modern and progressive television programming of that era. One user wrote, “There was so much obscenity back then.” Another asked, “Was that really PTV? Did this actually air on television?” A third commented, “Pakistan Television was so modern at that time.” Another wrote, “PTV was quite bold and almost near to nudity back then.” Many users also appreciated how gracefully the actresses carried the sarees. One commented, “The lady in the black saree is wearing it so elegantly, even though her blouse is quite short.” Another wrote, “It was the 1970s, when Pakistan was moving towards modernism.” Read the comments:
