Pakistani dramas have grown into a huge soft culture export industry for the country in the past decade or so. What makes Pakistani television content so beloved by viewers worldwide is its relatable and realistic storytelling.
Though a lot of improvement is needed in the scripts, every year, the Pakistani drama industry comes up with at least 10-15 scripts with something special about them. The main driving force behind these stories are those writers who try to develop concepts and scripts that resonate with the viewers.
Though many Pakistani drama writers have started to regurgitate stories to fulfill the demand of the channels, there are a few writers who are giving different stories and they are always able to hold the audience either by a shock factor or the quality of nuance they weave in their stories.
Here is a list of Pakistani drama writers who are always able to attract the audience:
Zanjabeel Asim Shah
Zanjabeel Asim Shah is currently one of the most sought-after writers in the Pakistani drama industry. Over the past year alone, she has delivered multiple hits, including Mein, Shiddat, Noor Jahan, Habil Aur Qabil, and Bismil. Known for her unique approach to storytelling, Zanjabeel skillfully incorporates fresh twists into traditional, formulaic plots, making her scripts both engaging and memorable. She is also the mastermind behind critically acclaimed dramas like Pyar Ke Sadqay and Balaa, which firmly established her reputation as a powerhouse writer in the industry. Her prolific output—producing so many successful dramas in a single year—is a testament to her creativity and dedication, solidifying her status as the most popular drama writer of the moment.
Farhat Ishtiaq
Farhat Ishtiaq is another name who is considered to be one of the best in the game. Her excellence and the depth in her scripts comes from her being a novelist. Farhat Ishtiaq was a celebrated novelist way before she started writing for the screens. Her drama Humsafar is crowned as the stepping stone for modern Pakistani television and she has since given many blockbusters like Ye Dil Mera, Yakeen Ka Safar and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum. She is also the writer for Pakistan’s first Netflix series Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo.
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar
Khalil ur Rehman Qamar is known for his dialogues. He was a banker with a deep love for writing. He pursued his career in writing in the late 90s and his work in Boota From Toba Tek Singh became a benchmark for his writing abilities. He later went on to give big dramas for the Pakistani television and working in his script was considered the ultimate win for any actor. He is best known for dramas like Pyare Afzal, Sadqay Tumharay, Mere Paas Tum Ho and films like Punjab Nahi Jaongi and London Nahi Jaonga. His current on-air project is Sunn Mere Dil.
Mustafa Afridi
Mustafa Afridi is a man with a cause. He has always used his pen to highlight issues in the rural society of Pakistan which makes a whopping 62% of the total population. He brought problems with the rural Pashtun communities with dramas like Sang e Mar Mar and Sang e Mah and did it beautifully without distorting or disrespecting the culture. He was able to create the magic yet again in the recently concluded Zard Patton Ka Bunn where basic social issues of rural Punjab were showcased sensitively. Mustafa Afridi believes in speaking about the underlying problems in our society through Pakistani dramas and he does it exceptionally well.
Zafar Mairaj
Zafar Mairaj is also another son of the soil who was born in Balochistan and he has seen a lot of real Pakistan and his pen speaks the stories of peripheries and it is not just focused on the urban love stories of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. He comes up with scripts that have made waves in Pakistani drama world and his recent shows Inkaar, Kabli Pulao and Mann Jogi showcased some important topics that need to be addressed on mainstream television.
Saji Gul
Saji Gul is another out-of-the-box writer who will not give you run-of-the-mill stories of saas-bahu. He always comes up with stories that hit a nerve. He has written dramas like Sannata and O Rangreza which won the audience and the critics alike. He is also the name behind the brilliant Navy telefilm Hangor. His recent venture Nadaan on Hum TV starring Ahmed Ali Akbar and Ramsha Khan was an important watch. For those who are not familiar, he is also the father of child star Shees Sajjad who played Rumi in the blockbuster drama Mere Paas Tum Ho.
Hashim Nadeem
Hashim Nadeem is a writer who talks about a man’s internal turmoil and pain which transforms his life. He is not just a big name among Pakistani drama writers, he is also an accomplished writer. His novels Khuda Aur Mohabbat and Parizaad became the biggest hits and classics of Pakistani dramas. He is a bureaucrat whose love for writing connected with millions of readers and now audiences.
Faiza Iftikhar
Faiza Iftikhar is a writer known for her remarkable ability to convey profound messages and explore diverse themes through simple, relatable, and heartfelt storytelling. Her talent consistently draws millions of viewers to her dramas, making her a celebrated name in the industry. Faiza is the creative force behind iconic dramas such as Aangan, Dillagi, Aunn Zara, and Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, each of which has left an indelible mark on audiences. Renowned for prioritizing quality over quantity, she ensures that every project she undertakes is of the highest standard. Fans trust her name as a guarantee of compelling narratives and memorable characters, solidifying her position as one of Pakistan’s most esteemed drama writers.
Bee Gul
Bee Gul is another Pakistani drama writer who does not write just for the next paycheck. Her scripts are thought-provoking and her stories remain with you years after airing. She has given some of the best dramas in Pakistan like Talkhiyan, Raqeeb Se, and Dar Si Jati Hai Sila. Bee Gul is a progressive writer who wants to give the audience more and she has held her ground in this day and age of commercialism. Bee Gul is one writer who has written Pakistani dramas that can compete with international work and showcase the reality of society.
Saima Akram Chaudhry
Umera Ahmed
Umera Ahmed is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated novelists, renowned for her exceptional storytelling and thought-provoking narratives. Her literary masterpieces, including Peer-e-Kamil, Aab-e-Hayat, and Zindagi Gulzar Hai, have captivated readers with their depth and spirituality, often encouraging reflection on life and the hereafter. Umera seamlessly transitioned her talent to the television screen, crafting iconic dramas such as Dur-e-Shehwar, Shehr-e-Zaat, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, and Alif. These dramas not only achieved immense popularity but also became cult classics, shaping the very fabric of Pakistani television. It is undeniable that Umera Ahmed’s contributions have played a pivotal role in elevating Pakistani dramas to their current stature.
Which Pakistani drama writer is your favorite? Share in the comments!
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