This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the incredible women and their scripts that made us laugh, cry, and believe in the magic of storytelling.
Women have always been natural storytellers, whether they’re writing scripts, shaping lives at home, or handling careers while chasing dreams. Every woman, in her own way, brings a story to life—be it through a heartfelt screenplay, a lesson taught to her children, or the quiet strength she carries in her daily struggles. A homemaker, for instance, may not write scripts for the big screen, but she creates stories through every lullaby, every piece of advice, and every sacrifice that shapes the next generation. A working woman, balancing responsibilities and ambitions, tells a story of determination, showing that success isn’t just about reaching the top but about refusing to give up. Female writers and storytellers, meanwhile, pour their emotions, experiences, and truths into their scripts, giving us love stories that make us swoon, tragedies that make us cry, and tales of courage that inspire us to be better. Whether on screen, in books, or in everyday life, women shape the narratives that move the world forward—and that’s something worth celebrating every single day!
“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen… There is a third power stronger than both, that of the women.”
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
And when a woman holds the pen, behold the mightiest of storytellers reveal themselves to the world. And that is how we’re celebrating women’s day – by revisiting the stories penned by women, for all the world.
Here are five stories given to us by incredible Pakistani female writers that sparked conversations and the characters etched an indelible memory in our hearts and minds, such was the inspiration that many aspired to be just like them, if not be them – such was the power of the storytelling, that they have stayed with us through the years.
Zindagi Gulzar Hai By Umera Ahmed
Umera Ahmed’s Zindagi Gulzar Hai isn’t just another love story—it’s a story that never gets old, about strength, class differences, gender roles, and the journey of self-discovery. When the drama aired, it instantly struck a chord with audiences because it dared to highlight the struggles of a middle-class woman in a society where financial hardships, patriarchy, and emotional burdens are often her reality. Kashaf Murtaza, the protagonist, became a symbol of courage for many—her sharp intellect, unfiltered thoughts, and refusal to compromise on her self-worth made her different from the usual female leads we saw on screen at the time. On the other hand, Zaroon Junaid’s arc was equally important, showing how privilege can sometimes make a person blind to their own flaws. Through their conflicts and eventual growth, Zindagi Gulzar Hai gave us a relationship that felt raw, real, and layered.
What made this drama a phenomenon wasn’t just the story but its fearless approach in questioning societal norms. At a time when most love stories followed predictable, fairytale-like formulas, Zindagi Gulzar Hai gave us something real—showing that love doesn’t magically fix everything, but it can teach us patience, understanding, and the importance of compromise. The drama’s dialogues, especially Kashaf’s monologues, still resonate with women who feel unheard in a world that often undermines them. Even a decade later, fans continue to celebrate it, not just because of the stellar performances by Sanam Saeed and Fawad Khan but because its themes remain just as relevant today. It wasn’t just a romance; it was a mirror to society, making us question, reflect, and, most importantly, feel seen.
Check out one of our best scenes from the drama below
Zindagi Gulzar Hai was written by Umera Ahmed, directed by Sultana Siddiqui, and produced by Momina Duraid. The drama featured a stellar cast, including Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Samina Peerzada, Sheheryar Munawar, Mehreen Raheel, Ayesha Omar, and Mansha Pasha.
Udaari By Farhat Ishtiaq
Some dramas entertain, and some leave a lasting impact—Udaari did both. Written by Farhat Ishtiaq, this Kashf Foundation project wasn’t just another TV serial; it was a strong step toward addressing issues society often sweeps under the rug. At its core, the drama revolved around Sajjo, a widow who struggled to give her daughter Zebo a safe and secure life. But being a woman without a male guardian in a patriarchal society meant that her battles were twice as hard. The story showed how a widow is left to fight her battles alone, constantly facing judgment, financial hardships, and the fear of being taken advantage of. Zebo’s tragic experiences further reinforced the harsh truth—when a girl doesn’t have a father or brother to “protect” her, she becomes even more vulnerable to the dangers lurking around her, sometimes even within her own home. Through Zebo’s story, Udaari shattered the silence surrounding child abuse, showing how predators often take advantage of societal norms that discourage women and children from speaking up. But Udaari didn’t just focus on suffering—it was also about fighting back, finding justice, and proving that a woman’s strength isn’t dependent on a man.
Sajjo’s determination to fight for her daughter and Meera’s role in exposing the truth sent a strong message—women don’t need a man to protect them, but they do need a system that supports them. The drama also emphasized the importance of financial independence, education, and the power of community in helping women reclaim their rights. It showed that justice is possible, but only when survivors speak up and society listens. Unlike typical TV dramas that romanticize struggles, Udaari focused on real solutions and empowered its audience to challenge harmful traditions. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a wake-up call, starting conversations that were long overdue. Even today, Udaari remains one of the most impactful dramas ever produced, reminding us that silence only fuels injustice, but speaking up can change lives.
Catch a few glimpses from the drama below!
Udaari was written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Muhammad Ehteshamuddin and produced by MD Productions in collaboration with Kashf Foundation. It starred Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Rehan Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Ahsan Khan, Samiya Mumtaz, Haris Waheed, and more.
Main Abdul Qadir Hoon By Sarwat Nazir
Some stories stay with you long after they end, and Main Abdul Qadir Hoon is one of them. Written by Sarwat Nazir, this drama was more than just a coming-of-age tale—it was a deep dive into how parenting shapes a child’s personality, choices, and struggles. Abdul Qadir, played brilliantly by Fahad Mustafa, was a kind-hearted and sensitive boy, but his overbearing mother’s rigid control pushed him down a path of rebellion. His father was emotionally absent, and his mother’s strict, almost suffocating approach made him an easy target for bad influences. The drama showed how parents, in trying to mold their children into a “perfect” version, often push them toward the very things they fear. Abdul Qadir’s journey from an innocent boy to a reckless young man lost in bad company was a heartbreaking but realistic portrayal of what happens when love is replaced with control and emotional support is missing from a child’s life. The drama showed a powerful truth—when parents don’t listen, children find people who will, even if they are the wrong ones.
But Main Abdul Qadir Hoon wasn’t just about parenting flaws; it was also about growth, self-discovery, and redemption. Abdul Qadir’s life took many turns—he faced heartbreak, lost his way, found faith, and eventually became a stronger person. The drama also touched on a topic rarely discussed in Pakistani television—AIDS. abdul’s friend Faiz, played by Faysal Quraishi, was diagnosed with the disease and shunned by society, highlighting the lack of awareness and empathy surrounding it. The way Abdul Qadir stood by him showed how compassion can change lives and how ignorance can destroy them. By addressing such less talked about issues, the drama broke taboos and encouraged important conversations. Main Abdul Qadir Hoon stands out as a story that teaches us how important emotional support is and how a child’s future depends on the way they are raised, making its message just as relevant now as it was back then.
Check out the teaser below!
Main Abdul Qadir Hoon was written by Sarwat Nazir, directed by Babar Javed, and produced by A&B Productions. The drama featured a talented cast, including Fahad Mustafa, Alishba Yousuf, Faysal Quraishi, Aamina Sheikh, Sana Askari, Saba Hameed, Asif Raza Mir, and Tipu Sharif.
Ranjha Ranjha Kardi By Faiza Iftikhar
Some stories shake you to your core, making you question the world around you. Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, written by Faiza Iftikhar, was one such drama that beautifully highlighted deep-rooted societal issues. At its heart, the story explored how people are judged based on their social status, past mistakes, and mental condition rather than their true character. Noori, played by Iqra Aziz, was a strong-willed and ambitious girl who wanted to break free from the harsh labels society placed on her as the daughter of a ragpicker. Despite her intelligence and determination, she was constantly reminded that no matter how much she tried to rise above her circumstances, the world would never let her forget her roots. This reflected the harsh reality that women, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, often struggle for acceptance and are denied opportunities solely because of where they come from.
The drama also delivered a powerful message about the mistreatment of people with mental disabilities through the character of Bhola, played brilliantly by Imran Ashraf. Instead of receiving proper medical care and support, Bhola was being exploited by his own uncle, who secretly gave him the wrong medicines to keep him unwell and unfit to manage his wealth. His uncle’s greed and manipulation showed how vulnerable individuals are often taken advantage of by their own families for personal gain. But Bhola’s journey also emphasized that love, care, and the right support can change a person’s life. Noori, despite her own struggles, became his protector and helped him find the happiness and dignity he deserved. The drama tackled deep societal biases, the plight of women in oppressive circumstances, and the stigma surrounding mental health, making it much more than just a love story. It was a strong, emotional narrative that left a lasting impact, proving that strength is not about power but about standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are against you.
Check out one of the most iconic scenes from Ranjha Ranjha Kardi below!
Ranjha Ranjha Kardi was written by Faiza Iftikhar, directed by Kashif Nisar, and produced by Momina Duraid under MD Productions. The drama featured Iqra Aziz, Imran Ashraf, Syed Jibran, Asma Abbas, Kashif Mehmood, Ammara Butt, and Munazzah Arif.
Noor Jahan By Zanjabeel Asim Shah
At first glance, Noor Jahan seemed like a typical saas-bahu drama, but it carried layers that made it stand out. Written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, this drama wasn’t just about household conflicts—it was about the importance of independence, the cost of controlling others, and how a woman’s voice only holds weight when she isn’t dependent on anyone. The character of Noor Jahan played by Saba Hamid wasn’t just a mother; she was the ruler of her household, making every decision, expecting obedience, and believing that she knew best. The drama gave us an important lesson—when you force your children into choices without letting them have a say, they will eventually do what they want, maybe even by taking the wrong path. Noor Jahan was a wake-up call for parents who think strict control keeps a family in order.
What made Noor Jahan different from other family dramas was how it tackled these themes with a fresh perspective. It wasn’t just about the usual saas-bahu conflicts—it was a gripping story of power struggles, deep-seated rivalries, and the consequences of manipulation. Unlike traditional narratives where daughters-in-law suffer in silence, this drama gave us strong female characters who pushed back, fought for their place, and demanded to be heard. It also emphasized the importance of valuing daughters, showing that they are not just a burden or a responsibility but individuals with their own dreams and aspirations. Noor Jahan’s character, while flawed in her need for control, also showed how independence gives a woman a voice. The drama reinforced that a woman who stands on her own feet, without depending on others, holds more power than one who controls through authority alone.
Noor Jahan’s final redemption and character journey also sparked conversations as the typical toxic saas trope seemed to find her way to the good side, eventually (and believably).
Check out one of the most viral scene from Noor Jahan below!
Noor Jahan was written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, directed by Musaddiq Malek and produced by Six Sigma Productions. The cast features Saba Hamid, Kubra Khan, Noor Hassan, Alina Abbas Shah, Ali Rehman Khan, Zoya Nasir, Hajra Yamin, Ali Raza, and YBQ.
