7 Progressive Pakistani Dramas Which Challenge Gender Norms

Impactful stories, empowering characters, important subjects…Pakistani dramas are nothing short of truth bombs. The dramas from across the border have always impressed us with their direction, narration, and conviction. Today, I am here to recommend 7 progressive Pakistani dramas which said ‘No’ to gender stereotypes and left us craving for more.

7 progressive Pakistani dramas you should add to your watchlist

1. Sang-e-Mah

Written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Saife Hassan, Sang-e-Mah is a social drama that brings out the horror of the evil practice ghag, where a man ‘lays claim’ on a woman he wants to marry. He does this by firing several gunshots in front of her house and calling out her name. It features the renowned musician Atif Aslam as Hilmand in the lead role alongside Kubra Khan, Naumaan Ijaz, and other popular faces.

Based in a village named Laspiraan, Sang-e-Mah focuses on smashing toxic masculinity and encourages women to speak up for themselves. This had to be the first name in the list of progressive Pakistani dramas.

The singer also leaves us mesmerized with his voice in the original soundtrack of the drama. It goes without mentioning that he’s a versatile artiste and does absolute justice to the composition.

2. Cheekh

Next on the list of progressive Pakistani dramas, comes the crime thriller Cheekh.

Directed by Badar Mehmood, it narrates Mannat’s (Saba Qamar) fight against her brother-in-law Wajih (Bilal Abbas Khan), who molests and kills her friend Nayab (Ushna Shah). It’s not easy for her to go against her family but she ensures that justice is delivered.

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The drama also highlights how upper-class people try to cover criminal acts with their power. It brings us face-to-face with the reality of modern-day society. Does Mannat win the battle against her own family? Watch the drama to find out!

3. Churails

How can we talk of progressive Pakistani dramas and not mention Asim Abbasi’s Churails? He never disappoints us. His directorial Churails is a story of four women who set up an agency to expose husbands who cheat on their wives.

This Zee5 original celebrates independent and ambitious women. It’s also a treat to female friendships and expresses the importance of women supporting their peers.

4. Sinf-e-Aahan

Sinf-e-Aahan features eminent stars like Kubra Khan, Sajal Ali, Syra Yousuf, and others. It tells the story of a group of seven women coming from seven different backgrounds, with the aim to serve their nation as army officers and become ‘women of steel’. Their journey teaches us to stand up against the challenges life throws at us and keep fighting till we conquer all our fears.

https://youtu.be/52z7QRuaxpU

5. Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam

Written by Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur and directed by the latter, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam is an anthology of six interconnected stories that keep you on the edge till the end. The crime thriller is a reminder that women don’t symbolise “weakness”. In fact, they can bring the most unexpected twists in your life in the most unpredictable ways.

6. Baaghi

Based on the life of the controversial social media personality, Qandeel Baloch, Baaghi is one of Saba Qamar’s most talked about performances. It’s the story of a village girl Fauzia (Saba Qamar) who dreams of becoming a model. What follows is her struggle to make an identity and how she deals with the difficulties that come her way. Most importantly, Baaghi is the story of a woman who prioritizes her ambition and how the patriarchal world tries to pull her down.

7. Mrs. & Mr. Shameem

Mrs. & Mr. Shameem is a Zee5 original series featuring Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaz in pivotal roles. The show spreads awareness of issues that often remain under the covers, such as premarital pregnancy, postpartum depression, HIV, and homosexuality. It shatters gender stereotypes and changes the definition of “a man” for us. Before wrapping up the list of progressive Pakistani dramas, let’s take a moment to appreciate Ijaz and Qamar for their stellar performances and sizzling chemistry.

All of these dramas give us a message to believe in what we think is right and to fight against evil with utmost dedication. Which of the above progressive Pakistani dramas are you planning to watch first? Let us know in the comments.

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