2024’s Top 10 List of Dramas

Pakistani television experienced a creative rejuvenation in 2024 with stories that ventured into romance, thrillers, social hierarchy, and epic narration. These ten dramas captivated viewers with their narrative, direction, and stellar performances.

1. Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum

Release: July 2, 2024

Genre: Romantic Family Drama

Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq | Director: Badar Mehmood

Cast: Fahad Mustafa, Hania Aamir, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Emmad Irfani, Naeema Butt

Why It Performed:

A much-awaited romance saga, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum struck the right balance between heart and humor. It presented the wisdom of a common middle-class family. Fahad and Hania’s chemistry became a phenomenon, resulting in unprecedented finale viewing, including cinema showings as well. It’s a balance between emotional depth and happy moments.

2. The Gentleman

Premiere: March 7, 2024

Genre: Romantic Action Thriller

Writer: Khalil‑ur‑Rehman Qamar | Director: Haissam Hussain

Cast: Humayun Saeed, Yumna Zaidi, Adnan Siddiqui, Sohai Ali Abro, Zahid Ahmed, Ahmad Ali Butt

Why It Stood Out:

Distinguishing it from conventional and run-of-the-mill love stories, The Gentleman served mafia-grade romance and action thrillers. It was the boldest drama on Pakistani television—courtesy of its opulent production values, star-studded cast, and engaging dialogues.

3. Jafaa

Premiere: May 24, 2024

Genre: Psychological/Social Drama

Writer: Samira Fazal | Director: Danish Nawaz

Cast: Mawra Hocane, Mohib Mirza, Sehar Khan, Usman Mukhtar

Why It Stood Out:

Jafaa’s second name is Bravery. Mawra’s performance as a young woman who runs away from her abusive marriage, focuses only on her job, and earns admiration from around the globe, shows unapologetically domestic abuse and mental health awareness. This was one of 2024’s most inspiring dramas.

4. Zard Patton Ka Bunn

Release Date: May 12, 2024

Genre: Social Realism Drama

Writer: Mustafa Afridi | Director: Saife Hasan

Starring: Sajal Aly, Hamza Sohail

Why It Stood Out:

This drama was aired by the Kashf Foundation and tackled a sequence of social problems never brought to the forefront in any television drama. Zard Patton Ka Bunn brought into focus increased issues like overpopulation, child labor, lack of rural healthcare facilities, and the refusal to give girls the right to educate themselves.

5. Ishq Murshid

October 8, 2023 (continued strong into 2024)

Genre: Light Romantic Comedy

Writer: Abdul Khaliq Khan | Director: Farooq Rind

Cast: Bilal Abbas Khan, Durefishan Saleem, Noor-ul-Hassan

Why It Stood Out:

Ishq Murshid, which featured Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem, turned out to be one of the most acclaimed Pakistani dramas of 2024. With its engaging mix of romance, humor, and social issues, the series was also acknowledged for its colorful representation of Sindhi culture. The OST of the drama went viral and is regarded by many as one of the best 2024 Pakistani dramas.

6. Mann Jogi

Release Date: August 3, 2024

Genre: Social Thriller Drama

Writer: Zafar Mairaj | Director: Kashif Nisar

Cast: Bilal Abbas Khan, Sabeena Farooq, Gohar Rasheed

Why It Stood Out:

The miniseries Mann Jogi that it produced was the most influential TV drama of 2024. It landed on the list of Top 10 Pakistani Dramas of 2024 despite having a few episodes. The drama went boldly against sensitive topics such as violence and Halala. Mann Jogi was a series to look out for due to its strong performances and exemplary direction.

7. Khaie

Air Date: January 3, 2024

Genre: Cultural Revenge Drama

Writer/Director: Several

Cast: Faisal Qureshi, Dur-e-Fishan, Khalid Butt, Laila Wasti, and many more.

Why It Stood Out:

Khaie changed the Pakistani drama landscape. This revenge drama, set in Pashtun culture, won praise for its realism and atmosphere.

8. Jaan‑e‑Jahan

Premiere: December 22, 2023 (aired predominantly in 2024)

Genre: Family Drama

Writer: Rida Bilal | Director: Qasim Ali Mureed

Cast: Ayeza Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi

Why It Was Out of the Ordinary:

Jaan-e-Jahan marked the highly awaited comeback of Hamza Ali Abbasi to television. The drama stood out by making Shehram a likable, non-toxic male lead, which was a refreshing break from typical roles. The fans were also thrilled with the much-awaited happy ending that reunited the iconic Pyare Afzal duo—Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ayeza Khan—under Shehram and Mahnoor.

9. DunyaPur

Premiere: September 25, 2024

Genre: Epic Drama, Romance, Action

Writer: Radain Shah | Director: Shahid Shafaat

Cast: Nauman Ijaz, Manzar Sehbai, Khushhal Khan, Ramsha Khan, Sami Khan

Why It Stood Out:

Pakistan’s most opulent TV drama, Dunya Pur, was abounding with color imagery, seeped in romance against tribal rivalries, mounting action, and rich production. Even though people argued over pacing, its resolve is unbeatable.

10. Faraar

Premiere: November 17, 2024

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Writer: Mustafa Afridi | Directors: Syed Wajahat Hussain & Musaddiq Malek

Cast: Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Sohai Ali Abro, Danyal Zafar, Merub Ali, Mamya Shahjaffar, and others

Why It Stood Out:

Farar follows six diverse characters pushed by guilt, secrets, and the desire for freedom. From the backward Karachi streets to Swabi’s fields, its storyline is intense and politically rich. Hamza Ali Abbasi’s realistic Batish clashes with Ahmed Ali Akbar, a persistent cop, and Fasih, offering a dynamic Tom and Jerry narrative. 

Audience reactions are divided:

“Loved it… Hamza is really good… more impressed by the story than the casting…”

“Faraar was bad… painfully slow pace… week to week it was one of the most boring shows…” Nevertheless, its ambition, ensemble cast, and atmospheric storytelling make it a landmark in Pakistan’s developing crime-thriller landscape.

Trends That Defined 2024

Genre evolution – 2024 witnessed drastic transitions into thrillers (Farar, Mann Jogi), crime (The Gentleman), and action-romance (DunyaPur).

High Production – With high-end visuals and strong storytelling, Pakistani TV kept pace with many international standards.

Social Impact – Shows such as Jafaa and Zard Patton Ka Bunn initiated national discourse on taboo and rural issues.

Female-Rooted Narratives – Strong female-led storylines promoted empowerment, self-discovery, and self-resilience.

Cross-border Appeal – Hits such as Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum and Ishq Murshid ensured that Pakistani content strikes a chord beyond borders.

Final Word

2024 was a fresh beginning for Pakistani television. These ten dramas are the indicators of the growth of the medium, from sensational thrillers and social dramas to romance and engaging storytelling. They addressed contentious issues, accepted innovative implementation, and raised the expectations of the viewer.