Pakistani footballer Maryam Mahmood earns place on Wrexham FC honours board

Pakistani television has produced many memorable female characters. Some of them stood out because they were not written simply as victims waiting to be rescued. Over the decades, several dramas showed women working, making difficult choices, facing social pressures and rebuilding their lives. These characters were ambitious, emotional and flawed. Most importantly, they were allowed to shape their own stories. Here are six dramas that created some of Pakistani television’s most memorable female leads. Ankahi (1982) Written by Haseena Moin, Ankahi introduced audiences to Sana Murad, played by Shehnaz Sheikh. Sana is confident, outspoken and determined. After her father’s death creates financial problems for the family, she decides to take responsibility. Despite having limited qualifications, she manages to secure a job after an unexpected meeting with a company chairman. Her journey through professional life becomes a mix of humour, challenges and personal growth. Sana’s character was significant because she was not defined by marriage or romance. She wanted to work and create a future for herself. Tanhaiyaan (1985) Haseena Moin’s Tanhaiyaan, directed by Shahzad Khalil, focused on two sisters who suddenly lose their parents and their family home. Played by Marina Khan and Shehnaz Sheikh, the sisters are forced to rebuild their lives independently. The drama presented women earning their own income without treating their decision to work as something unusual. Their struggles were balanced with friendship, humour and everyday challenges. That combination helped the drama remain popular long after its original broadcast. Maat (2011) Umera Ahmad’s Maat followed two sisters whose different priorities eventually take them in completely different directions. Saba Qamar played Saman, a woman strongly attracted to wealth, comfort and social status. Her sister Aiman, played by Aamina Sheikh, takes a quieter path. Aiman is repeatedly underestimated and overlooked. She faces difficult circumstances but continues building her life with patience and resilience. As the story progresses, the sisters’ fortunes change dramatically. The drama explores how ambition, relationships and personal choices can shape a person’s future. Durr-e-Shehwar (2012) Durr-e-Shehwar explored marriage from a perspective that was rarely shown without romanticising sacrifice. The central character enters marriage expecting affection and companionship. Instead, she faces emotional distance from her husband and hostility from her mother-in-law. The story is later viewed through the eyes of her daughter, Shandana. She initially believes her parents had a perfect marriage. She eventually discovers the struggles her mother endured. The drama raises questions about compromise, expectations and the sacrifices women make to preserve relationships. Digest Writer (2014) Saba Qamar played Fareeda, a young woman whose ambitions are often overshadowed by the expectations placed on her family’s son. Writing becomes Fareeda’s escape and her way of expressing herself. She begins publishing stories under the name Rashk-e-Hina. Her talent eventually attracts the attention of a television producer, giving her an opportunity to enter the drama industry. However, success does not come easily. Fareeda faces professional rivalry, betrayal and pressure from her family. The drama presents ambition as something meaningful while also showing the personal cost of pursuing a career in a difficult environment. Udaari (2016) Udaari tackled one of the most sensitive subjects in Pakistani television. The story follows Zebo, whose childhood is shattered by abuse. However, the drama does not define her entire identity through her trauma. Instead, Zebo gradually finds the courage to speak about what happened to her. Her mother also undergoes a major transformation. After realising the danger her daughter faces, she chooses to protect Zebo and rebuild their lives. Meera, a singer living nearby, also becomes an important source of support. One of the drama’s most powerful moments comes when Zebo confronts her abuser in court. Rather than accepting shame for what happened to her, she identifies herself as a survivor. Across four decades, these dramas demonstrate how Pakistani television has portrayed women in changing ways. From Sana’s determination to build a career to Zebo’s courage to seek justice, these characters were given stories beyond romance and victimhood.

Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar have sparked excitement among fans after hinting at a new collaboration on International Friendship Day. The longtime friends shared a playful teaser on social media, leaving followers guessing about the project they have been quietly working on together. On August 2, Karan Johar took to Instagram to celebrate Friendship Day by posting a video featuring Shah Rukh Khan. In the clip, the Bollywood superstar is seen singing the classic Hindi song “Mil Gaya Hum Ko Saathi,” adding a nostalgic touch to the occasion. Alongside the footage, Johar shared a cryptic message teasing an upcoming announcement. The filmmaker wrote over the video: “Our best friend has a new best friend … nice friendship day gift bhai (brother). Who is it?!” The post immediately sparked speculation among fans, many of whom assumed the duo was preparing to announce a new film together. Others wondered whether the teaser was related to an advertisement, a digital campaign or another creative collaboration. The comments section quickly filled with excitement and requests for another Shah Rukh-Karan film. One fan wrote: “Can Karan make a film with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol? We fans have been waiting for eleven years.” Another commented: “Best gift on Friendship Day.” A third fan added: “Just like the Guru Purnima post, I thought this was your next movie announcement, but anything you guys do is special. Waiting to see what this is about!!!” The latest teaser comes only weeks after Johar shared a heartfelt tribute to Shah Rukh Khan on Guru Purnima, describing the actor as his mentor and recalling how their friendship shaped his filmmaking journey. In that emotional post, Johar remembered one of his earliest conversations with Shah Rukh during a trip to Switzerland. He wrote: “Switzerland … I was looking at the mountains (pretending to be homesick and seeking sympathy). He came to me and said Tu director banega aur teri pehli film main karoonga.’ (You will become a director and I will do your first film). I thought to myself… he’s probably low on oxygen and may not completely know what he’s saying.” Johar went on to thank Shah Rukh for always believing in him as a filmmaker, referring to the superstar as his “guru.” Their friendship has produced several successful films over the years, making them one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actor-director partnerships. Professionally, both stars have busy schedules ahead. Karan Johar is preparing to return as host of the second season of The Traitors, which is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on August 13. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for one of the biggest projects of his career, King, in which he will share the screen with his daughter Suhana Khan for the first time. The highly anticipated film is currently slated for release on December 24, 2026. Although neither Shah Rukh Khan nor Karan Johar has revealed what their Friendship Day teaser is actually about, the cryptic post has already generated widespread excitement, with fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement from the iconic duo.