PTV's legacy is full of productions that hold a mirror to our society. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s idea of airing the Turkish period drama Diriliş: Ertuğrul finally brought PTV the success it struggled with in the past few decades. The prestige of Pakistan’s state broadcaster used to be a combination of extraordinary numbers in terms of viewership and content that would enable the overall evolution of society.
Dramas and shows that you could watch with your families while breaking into fits of laughter and streams of tears. PTV was an institution that played a key role in our identity formation as a collective. Now that the government and the prime minister have provided the channel with a perfect revival, it is up to the state apparatus to work towards regaining its lost glory. To make content that revolves around the Islamic value system, promotes our own culture, our traditions, our historic heroes of Islamic word, our family system and above all the Islamic Faith. To produce work that is at par with any international production of its style and genres.
Turkish TV series Ertuğrul takes Pakistan by storm
Our content should be a reflection of the country and the morals and principles we aspire to inculcate in ourselves for a complete behavioral change.
Teaching kids what’s Right and What’s Wrong while highlighting the real problems of the society – Corruption, Theft, Jhoot, Rishwat, Sifaraish etc. Our late mother would make us watch Best of the best shows on PTV when we were growing up – Shows that would educate us, make us become better people in life.
For example, Mustansar Hussain Tarar sab’s Morning Show, AL-Quran by Qari Syed Sadaquat Hussain & Qari Khushi Mohammad, Kasuti (featuring Qureshpur, Ubaidullah Baig & Ghazi Salahuddin), Kaliyan with Uncle Sargam, Nelaam Ghar with Tariq Aziz were some of the best infotainment packages for us. Let’s redefine the thoughts of the viewers- Let’s help them shape their minds and attitude positively. Let’s redefine the thoughts of the viewers- Let’s help them shape their minds and attitude positively.
'Diriliş: Ertuğrul' star Esra Bilgic excited to meet Pakistani fans
As someone who has been quite closely associated with Pakistan’s creative and media industries, I also have a few favourites which I believe can be watched any day anytime. Here are six pieces, produced by our own legends that we can always learn from.
6. Aanch (1993)
Tariq Jameel’s fire (Aanch) won over Ashir Azeem’s Dhuwaan (Quetta Center Drama) by a thin margin in the Viewer’s Choice Category at PTV Awards. Serial par excellence, Aanch revolved around our family system with my all-time favorite Late Shafi Mohammad Shah in the lead role. It was written by Naheed Sultana Akhtar and is by far the most fitting portrayal of the complications of relationships.
5. Dhoop Kinaray (1987)
“Dr Zoya” being said in the serenading voice of Rahat Kazmi still sounds as fresh as tomorrow. One of the finest serials in the history of Pakistani TV was about the personal and professional lives of doctors working in Karachi. Kudos to the brilliant combo of Haseena Moin (the writer) and Saira Kazmi (my favourite director) that made Dhoop Kinaray such a balm on our bruises. PTV should air it these days as a tribute to all healthcare staffers fighting on the frontline.
4. Zara Si Aurat
Written by Noorul Huda Shah & Directed by Sultana Siddiqui, Zara Si Aurat was a single episode teleplay featuring Bushra Ansari, Shafi Mohammad & Behroz Sabzwari. It was entirely shot in a single flat and spoke about the titular role of women in society and how a man can never reciprocate woman’s nature of selfless service. Excellent dialogues, perfect pacing and a beautiful OST by Begum Akhtar added final touches on this masterpiece.
3. Din (1992)
Penned by Amjad Islam Amjad and directed by Ayub Khawar, Din was a Lahore center production about politics, family system and revolved around an honest government servant who stayed away from corruption. Featuring Qavi Khan, Mehmood Aslam, Wasim Abbas, Afzal Ahmad and Bindia in the lead roles, Din has many lessons for us to learn from.
2. Chand Girhan (1995)
An issue-based serial directed by Tajdar Alam and written by Asghar Nadeem Syed depicted the true picture of feudalism in Sindh. This epic production also starred Shafi Mohammad Shah along with Sohail Ashgar as his son Jahania Shah and Faryal Gohar (as Gulbahar Begum).
1. Nijaat (1993)
My all-time favourite Nijaat was written by Asghar Nadeem Syed and directed by the amazing Sahira Kazmi. The serial spoke about child labour, the education system in Pakistani villages and health reforms in Sindh. According to a study supported by IDRC Canada, the impact of Nijaat was quite "forceful” as viewers could easily & directly relate to its content. The cast included Atiqa Odho, Nauman Ejaz, Sajjid Hassan, Huma Nawab, and Marina Khan along with an OST by Tina Sani called Zard Matti Ki Agosh Mein.
The writer is an ex-Adman, producer and currently Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Information & Broadcasting
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