5 Iconic Underrated Female Characters in Pakistani Drama Who Empowered Women

Pakistani dramas are popular for their outclass stories. Despite their fame and popularity, many stories and dramas cannot gain the attention they deserve. Due to this, the characters sometimes cannot get the attention. This article highlights the five underrated female characters in Pakistani dramas who have portrayed women's strength and empowerment. These characters aren't created merely out of imagination. They represent resilience. These representatives of women's empowerment have touched the hearts of many. Although these characters were not always in the limelight, it is hard to ignore them as they have redefined courage and empowerment in their unique ways.

The Role of Pakistani Dramas in Women's Empowerment

Pakistani dramas are more than just entertainment. They have portrayed the societal views on women. These dramas stand out in a world where women's stories often go untold. All such dramas are not just about telling the stories, but they have sparked conversations, challenged norms, and opened doors to new perspectives. They are showcasing diverse female characters that are strong, flawed, resilient, and real. It's not just about representing the women on screen as a model or piece of glamour. These dramas show the real journeys, struggles, triumphs, and, most importantly, their humanity. This representation is, in reality, the reality that inspires, empowers, and paves the way for change.

The 5 Iconic Female Characters in Pakistani Dramas 

Khirad in "Humsafar"(2011, Farhat Ishtiaq):  Khirad was played by the popular Mahira Khan. She represents the young woman’s resilience. Khirad begins as a humble, naive girl who evolves into a strong, self-reliant individual ready to face betrayal and hardship. Audiences appreciate her portrayal of dignity in adversity. Yet, some critics argue that her character sometimes borders on the idealization of suffering in romantic contexts.

Nargis in "Pehli Si Muhabbat" (2021, Faiza Iftikhar): Nargis, enacted by Rabia Butt, breaks the traditional view regarding the role of stepmothers. She appears to be a strong-willed woman, has a moral nature, and is juxtaposed with a nurturing side. Together, they offer a fresh perspective. Nargis was highly appreciated for this unconventional role, although there was a critique about oversimplifying complex relationships in blended families.

.       Shanaya in "Ishq E Laa" (2021, Qaisra Hayat): Shanaya’s character was played by Sajal Aly. The character represented the modern Pakistani woman. Shanaya was appreciated for how she balanced career aspirations with societal expectations. Her character was a real inspiration for many women in real-time, striving for professional and personal fulfillment. Although she was highly appreciated for her strength and the way she propagated the truth, there was still criticism from those representing the traditionally conservative society. 

.       Falak in "Laapata" (2021, Khizer Idrees): Sarah Khan’s character was a badminton player. Her story resonates with many for portraying a woman's struggle against personal and societal challenges. She was in a toxic relationship, which needed her extreme resilience and patience. On the other hand, she wanted to pursue a career in sports. Besides the resilience and determination, there was criticism for exaggerating relationship troubles.

Sawera in "Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi" (2021, Amna Mufti): Yumna Zaidi played the role of Sawera. She is another character representing resilience amidst trauma. Her character has been pivotal in highlighting issues like human trafficking and child abuse. She grew out to be strong enough to inspire those having traumatic experiences. On the other hand, the show was criticized for possibly glossing over the complexities of trauma recovery.

These characters faced a significant impact on their audience besides being criticized on various grounds. They have promoted new narratives of strength, resilience, and women’s empowerment in Pakistani society. Away from the glamour and usual romantic characters, these heroines had a message to share, but they remained underrated as compared to those who were playing the romance and glamour.