2025 was a notable year for Pakistani television, with storytelling that confidently stepped outside familiar comfort zones. The year offered a rich spectrum of stories rooted in harsh social realities, intimate portrayals of family and relationships, light-hearted romances, horror-comedies, and masala entertainers. From grounded realism to imaginative experimentation, the industry embraced variety with purpose. What stood out most was the willingness to take risks, tell honest stories, and create dramas that didn’t just fill airtime but stayed with viewers long after the screen went dark. We at Pakistani Cinema bring you our list of the Best Dramas of 2025. Read on…
The Family Fabric
Parwarish
Channel: ARY Digital
Writer: Kiran Siddiqui
Director: Meesam Naqvi
Cast: Naumaan Ijaz, Sawera Nadeem, Shamim Hilaly, Reham Rafiq, Samar Abbas Jafri, Aina Asif
ARY continues to impress with diverse content that resonates with viewers across generations. ‘Parwarish’ has truly been a game-changer, especially in bringing Gen-Z back to prime-time viewing. The drama masterfully captured the silent struggles of youth navigating the tension between inherited traditions and their own evolving identities within a joint family. Deeply relatable, it explores the nuances of raising children, understanding their strengths, addressing their weaknesses, and reflecting on how Western influences loom as both opportunity and challenge.
The show shined a spotlight on the matriarch’s role, offering thoughtful insights into breaking outdated practices while preserving familial bonds. Special applause goes to rising stars like Samar Jafri, Reham Rafiq, and Aina Asif, whose performances were heartfelt and authentic. And, of course, stalwarts like Nauman Ijaz, Sawera Nadeem, and Shamim Hilaly delivered the reliability and gravitas that viewers always expect. ‘Parwarish’ wasn’t just a drama; it was a reflection on family, identity, and the delicate balance between tradition and change.
Jama Taqseem
Channel: HUM TV
Writer: Sarwat Nazir
Director: Ali Hassan
Cast: Mawra Hocane, Talha Chahour, Javed Sheikh, Beo Raana Zafar, Tazeen Hussain, Deepak Perwani
‘Jama Taqseem’ emerged as a sleeper hit, yet it made a huge impact right from the word go. It is a prime example of how a simple story can be told effectively without resorting to melodrama. The drama highlighted the various complexities within a Pakistani household while also offering meaningful solutions. The journey of Qais (Talha) and Laila (Mawra), two individuals from entirely different worlds coming together, sharing a life, and navigating the hardships of relationships and everyday struggles, deserves special applause. It was charming and, at times, unexpectedly moving, especially in moments where the protagonists’ families shared space and experiences. ‘Jama Taqseem’ was truly a step in the right direction for Pakistani dramas.
Flavorful Feuds
Sher
Channel: ARY Digital
Writer: Zanjabeel Asim Shah
Director: Aehsun Talish
Cast: Danish Taimoor, Sarah Khan, Nabeel Zafar, Sunita Marshall, Arjumand Rahim, Faizan Sheikh
An out-and-out masala entertainer, ‘Sher’ was a well-crafted, engaging drama with compelling leads and top-notch production quality. Set against the backdrop of a long-standing feud between two affluent landlord families, the story kept viewers hooked with its unpredictable twists and intricate conflicts. It was a must-watch for viewers craving content that breaks free from clichéd storylines filled with whining women, toxic men, and endless love triangles. The show also marked the return of Danish Taimoor in his heroic avatar, a refreshing change from the usual stalker or harasser roles, making it a genuine treat to watch him on screen. ‘Sher’ was a complete package, elevated further by Danish Taimoor’s stirring performance.
Romance Reloaded
Meem Se Mohabbat
Channel: HUM TV
Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq
Director: Ali Hassan
Cast: Ahad Raza Mir, Dananeer Mobeen, Asif Raza Mir, Beo Raana Zafar
‘Meem Se Mohabbat’ was a fun and contemporary take on the romance genre. The slow-burning narrative resonated emotionally while delighting viewers with its sincere and engaging storytelling. With contrasting personalities, Talha (Ahad) and Roshi (Dananeer) collide in moments that were peppy, intense, and dramatically charged. The enterprise also worked largely due to the crackling chemistry between the protagonists. Kudos to Dananeer for handling the role with remarkable confidence at such an early stage of her career. Indeed, ‘Meem Se Mohabbat’ warmed our hearts and tickled our emotions with equal force.
Risks Well Taken
Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi
Channel: HUM TV
Story: Shamoon Abbasi
Writer: Syed Nabeel
Director: Saife Hassan
Cast: Wahaj Ali, Sehar Khan, Romaisa Khan, Syed Jibran, Arsalan Naseer, Tamkeenat Mansoor
In an era where channels are racing for TRPs and ratings, HUM TV has always experimented creatively, and it has clicked most of the time. Our comic comfort in 2025 came in the form of a delightful horror-comedy, ‘Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi’. Taking us on a rollercoaster ride, the supernatural romance seamlessly blended comic sequences, powerful VFX, and witty one-liners with a scary touch. The interesting characters and their simultaneous handling in a single scene were commendable. No added tracks or flashbacks, every scene had a purpose, all culminating into an epic finale.
Tan Man Neel o Neel (Mini Series)
Channel: HUM TV
Writer: Mustafa Afridi
Director: Saife Hassan
Cast: Sehar Khan, Shuja Asad, Nadia Afghan, Nauman Masood, Samiya Mumtaz
‘Tan Man Neel o Neel’ was a sensitive feast served with a side of friendship and romance. In this gripping venture, the makers tackled false blasphemy claims and the deadly mob violence they sparked, reflecting the harsh realities of the world we live in. The story follows a young couple chasing their dreams, whose lives are upended by a false accusation, showing how quickly mob mentality and societal intolerance can destroy lives. The true magic of the series was the realistic and raw portrayal of the subject, especially impressive given its format as a mini-series. Sehar Khan delivered a career-defining performance, while every actor in the ensemble left a memorable mark. Special praise goes to Sultana Siddiqui for pushing boundaries and bringing such hard-hitting realities to prime-time slot.
Hard-Hitting Realities
Case No. 9
Channel: GEO Entertainment
Writer: Shahzeb Khanzada
Director: Syed Wajahat Hussain
Cast: Saba Qamar, Faysal Quraishi, Aamina Sheikh, Junaid Khan, Navin Waqar
‘Case No. 9’ was the story of a courageous woman who survived a sexual assault and bravely fought her case in court, facing immense societal pressure along the way. Anchored by a commanding performance by Saba Qamar, the drama confronted rape, injustice, and victim-blaming head-on, portraying the emotional and legal struggles of survivors with restraint and realism. With its grounded storytelling, unflinching approach, and performances that linger long after the screen fades to black, ‘Case No. 9’ transcends entertainment and became a necessary conversation.
Pamaal
Channel: Green Entertainment
Writer: Zanjabeel Asim Shah
Director: Khizer Idrees
Cast: Saba Qamar, Usman Mukhtar, Haris Waheed, Salma Zafar Asim, Adnan Jaffar
Every so often, a drama comes along that stands out not just for its story but for how boldly it tells it. ‘Pamaal’ is surely on this list, exploring themes of marriage, control, and self-worth with raw honesty. Another class act by Saba Qamar, whose narration brought an intimate, reflective voice to the serial. It portrayed emotional struggles and resilience with depth. The distinctive storytelling, blending flashbacks with present-day sequences, paired with strong performances from Usman Mukhtar and the supporting cast, made ‘Pamaal’ a socially relevant drama that sparked debates.
