Pakistan Idol is officially back on our screens, and honestly, we didn’t realise how much we had missed it until that comeback episode hit.
Of course, there was plenty to be excited about. Fawad Khan looked as charming as ever, Zeb Bangash was pretty in pink, and Bilal Maqsood was effortlessly being his cool self. Then there were the contestants, stepping onto the Pakistan Idol stage ready to prove themselves. It really did feel like a familiar show had returned just when we needed it.
And what better way to make that comeback than with a Cultural Night?
The episode celebrated Pakistan through its music, with performances in Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pashto. But the best part? Several contestants took on songs in languages that weren’t their own — and instead of shying away from the challenge, they completely owned it.
The episode also brought some of the biggest names in Pakistani folk music onto the stage, including Sanam Marvi, Akhtar Chanal, Arif Lohar, the Bugti Brothers and Khayal Muhammad & Sons. Some performances paired contestants with these folk icons, creating a beautiful meeting of generations, while others let the contestants take centre stage together.
There were plenty of performances to enjoy, but these four stood out for us.
4. Waqar Hussain & Aryan Naveed – Larsha Pekhawar
The boys brought their own lively rendition of Larsha Pekhawar, complete with all the Pathan energy we could have asked for. And considering Pashto isn’t their first language, they absolutely aced the challenge.
3. Samya Gohar & Bugti Brothers – Washmallay
Two words: just beautiful. Samya brought a fresh, modern voice to the decades-old song, while the Bugti Brothers gave it that unmistakable Balochi authenticity. The fusion just worked.
2. Maham Tahir & Akhtar Chanal – Dana Pe Dana
It felt right having Akhtar Chanal join Maham for Dana Pe Dana. Their performance felt raw, real and completely effortless — the kind of pairing that reminds you why folk music hits differently.
1. Tarab Nafees & Nabeel Abbas – Ho Jamalo
The one we absolutely enjoyed the most. Their voices complemented each other beautifully, the performance felt natural and they just got the assignment. For us, Ho Jamalo easily takes the top spot.
Pakistan Idol Was More Than Just A Comeback
If there was one thing this episode got right, it was showing what Pakistani music can look and sound like when the entire country gets a seat at the table.
Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and Pashto music all found their place on the same stage, with contestants taking on songs in languages different from their own. Add the costumes, performances and some of Pakistan’s biggest folk names, and the episode genuinely felt like a celebration of the country in all its diversity.
Maybe that’s why the comeback felt so good.
We got Fawad, Zeb and Bilal back in their judge seats. We got contestants who are already giving us plenty to talk about. We got some of the country’s most recognisable folk voices sharing the stage with a new generation.
And if this is what Pakistan Idol has in store for us, we’re definitely watching till the last episode.
