So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

January 19, 2025

Pakistani television has shaped cultural conversations and become a cherished medium for storytelling. Over the decades, television dramas, talk shows,and morning shows have become integral to our daily entertainment, resonating with audiences both at home and abroad. From heartwarming family dramas to thrilling suspense series, the industry has offered viewers a plethora of memorable moments. Pakistani television continues to grow and evolve, offering content that is both culturally significant and highly entertaining. From its early beginnings to present-day digital transformations, it remains a vital component of Pakistan’s entertainment sector. With a legacy of groundbreaking dramas, dynamic personalities, and influential shows, it holds a special place in the hearts of its audience. The question, as always, is this: can you recall the moments and figures that defined this growing industry?

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

1. Which Pakistani drama is considered a pioneer for portraying strong feminist themes in the 1980s?

a) Aangan Terha

b) Waris

c) Tanhaiyaan

d) Andhera Ujala

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

4. Which Pakistani talk show host is known for her outspoken and bold interviewing style?

a) Nadia Khan

b) Juggan Kazim

c) Samina Peerzada

d) Sanam Baloch

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

5. Which legendary actor starred in the iconic drama, Angan Terha?

a) Moin Akhtar

b) Jamshed Ansari

c) Behroze Sabzwari

d) Shakeel Yousuf

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

2. Which Pakistani-American artist has worked with the most controversial film of recent times (It Ends With Us) starring Blake Lively?

a) Sarwat Gilani

b) Sarayu Blue (Sarayu Rao)

c) Hasan Minhaj

d) Ishaan Khatter

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

6. Which Pakistani television network

launched in the early 2000s, revolutionizing

the TV landscape with diverse programming?

a) PTV Home

b) Geo TV

c) ARY Digital

d) Hum TV

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

8. Which Pakistani television award show recognizes excellence in television, music, film, and fashion?

a) Lux Style Awards (LSAs)

b) Hum Awards

c) PISA

d) ARY Film Awards

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

3. Which actress found her breakthrough role in the iconic drama serial Humsafar?

a) Sajal Aly

b) Sanam Saeed

c) Mahira Khan

d) Mehwish Hayat

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television

7. What genre did Ainak Wala Jin famously belong to, making it a household name in the 1990s?

a) Comedy

b) Drama

c) Sci-fi/Fantasy

d) Thriller

Answers:

1. The correct answer is c.

‑Tanhaiyaan, which aired in 1985, is renowned for its portrayal of female independence and resilience. It remains a beloved drama in Pakistani television history, depicting two sisters navigating life and finding independence after personal loss. The cast included Shehnaz Sheikh, Marina Khan, Asif Raza Mir, Badar Khalil, Behroze Sabzwari, Azra Sherwani, Qazi Wajid, Durdana Butt and Jamshed Ansari. Their performances were magnificent. Nearly 40 years later, it remains one of the best serials Pakistan has produced.

2. The correct answer is c.

‑If you’re willing to get away from the drama (It Starts With Us) and the legal battle that’s already made its way to the courts, the right answer is Hasan Minhaj. Do yourself a favour and watch the Baldoni cut of this film. It does a decent job of presenting a story about why the cycle of domestic abuse is so persistent and gaslighting at the hands of your partner. Handled with such sensitivity that you might forget Blake Lively’s post-screen antics. We’re still wondering why Hasan Minhaj said yes to appear in a blink and miss role for this film. But as far as South Asian actors appearing in major films are concerned, he did appear in It Ends With Us. Maybe, he’ll have a better role in It Starts With Us. No, that was rhethorical. He won’t. We don’t know if that film will ever see the light of day anymore. But hats off to Justin Baldoni as an actor, director and a celebrity who has taken the high road throughout the promotional spree of this film.

3. The correct answer is c.

‑Mahira Khan started her career as a VJ in 2006, hosting the live show Most Wanted on MTV Pakistan. In 2011, she made her film debut in a supporting role in Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol. The same year, Khan also made her TV drama debut in Neeyat, directed by Mehreen Jabbar. However, it was her portrayal of the wistfut Khirad in Humsafar that cemented her status as a household name. The drama’s immense popularity also propelled Fawad Khan to fame, making Humsafar a landmark in Pakistani television.

4. The correct answer is a.

Nadia Khan is celebrated for her candid style and is considered a trailblazer for Pakistani morning shows.

5. The correct answer is d.

‑Shakeel Yousuf’s portrayal of Mehboob Ahmed in Angan Terha remains one of the most memorable characters in Pakistani television. The satirical drama explored social issues with humor and wit, becoming an all-time favorite.

6. The correct answer is b.

‑Geo TV launched in 2002, introducing diverse programming that reshaped the television industry in Pakistan.

7. The correct answer is c.

‑Ainak Wala Jin combined sci-fi and fantasy elements, becoming a cult favorite among children and families. It is considered a series that was ahead of its time.

8. The correct answer is a.

‑The Lux Style Awards, established in 2002, is Pakistan’s longest-running and most prestigious award show, celebrating excellence in drama, music, film, and fashion categories, making it a key event in the media calendar. All of the other award ceremonies mentioned established their roots years after the LSAs.

So, you think you know: Pakistani Television