Impacts of Pakistani Drama: A Double-Edged Sword

Have you ever considered how the stories unfolding on Pakistani television impact our society? Pakistani dramas are not just entertainment; they carry a deeper significance. These shows serve as powerful mirrors, reflecting and shaping societal norms. Their influence is unmistakable, igniting discussions, raising awareness, and subtly molding the fabric of society. The drama industry has a complex effect on our social dynamics, bringing both positive and negative influences

The impact of Pakistani drama in the positive limelight is significant from various points of view. They have been proven to be a great source for raising social subjects and creating awareness, portraying women’s empowerment, psychological awareness, and national unity. According to Khadija Ikram and Dr. Sehrish Mushtaq’s (2023) research study, Pakistani dramas have a pivotal role in raising their voice against violence and playing a remarkable contribution in empowering women with the help of media narratives like “Udaari” and “Cheekh.”. Women are motivated by this change in representation to question established norms and fight for the recognition of their voices. Dramas like “Noor Jahan” are also a great source to present social issues of unmanly men, the housewife versus the career woman, and divorce.

Perpetuation of harmful stereotypes can be seen in dramas, as they often reinforce existing biases and hinder social progress. It is really important to understand the impact of media on society, dramas are a great source of constructing perceptions and cultural attitudes.

As concerned about psychological awareness, the drama “Ye Dil Mera” plays a significant role in highlighting PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) through the plot and characters. “Ranjha Ranjha Kardi” is another focal example depicting mental health and social issues that illustrate the impacts of Pakistani drama on society. They are also seen addressing problems of harassment and consent, for example, in the drama “Dar Si Jati Hai Sila.”. These instances highlight the potential of dramas to act as a catalyst for positive social change and become a platform for tackling critical social issues.

However, the implications of the drama industry are double-edged; they can be a force for good as well as for bad. The dramas can dangerously impact traditional values, clothing, language, religion, customs, and marriage ceremonies by cultivating alien cultures and norms. Concern exists, as the study by Anjum Zia (2010) highlights that television narratives are often portraying unrealistic lifestyles, filled with opulence and materialism. These portrayals can create a sense of dissatisfaction among the masses, particularly young adults who may compare their own lives to the on-screen portrayals, for example, the drama “Mere Paas Tum Ho,” which showcased extravagant gatherings, designer clothing, and opulent homes. The very same drama romanticizes extramarital relationships and objectifies women, the same is also portrayed in the ongoing serial “Bismil.”. Furthermore, Saif Bin Pervaiz’s (2018) research highlights the influence of dramas on cultural practices like clothing, language, and social norms. For example, in the drama serial “Sabaat,” its character “Miraal” highly influenced our youth because of her Western clothing as well as her language use.

While some see this as a positive sign of modernization, others fear a dilution of traditional values. We can also analyze the representation of toxic male leads with a romanticizing perspective, as seen in the drama serials “Khaani,” “Ishqiya,” and “Khuda Aur Muhabbat 3.”. Perpetuation of harmful stereotypes can be seen in dramas, as they often reinforce existing biases and hinder social progress. It is really important to understand the impact of media on society, dramas are a great source of constructing perceptions and cultural attitudes. While these dramas may have been an interesting source of entertainment for the audience, they also contributed to harmful narratives.

Perpetuation of harmful stereotypes can be seen in dramas, as they often reinforce existing biases and hinder social progress. It is really important to understand the impact of media on society, dramas are a great source of constructing perceptions and cultural attitudes.

Finding a balance is key to the future of Pakistani dramas.  Producers may keep tackling significant societal issues while maintaining an accessible and genuine depiction of life.  In addition, viewers can interact critically with the material, enjoying its uplifting themes even as they acknowledge the possibility of romanticized depictions. To balance the impact of Pakistani dramas on society, we should focus on responsible storytelling by encouraging writers to create narratives promoting positive social change. To regulate these measures, we should implement proper guidelines for dramas to ensure responsible content exposure. In the end, the aim of television should be to educate viewers through meaningful narratives.

Pakistani dramas are beyond just entertainment; they are the catalyst of change, they are a conversation starter and a mirror to society. Pakistani dramas can continue to weave tapestries in the social fabric of the nation, if we acknowledge their multifaceted impact and use them as a tool to promote responsible storytelling, We can see how the Pakistani drama industry has the power to shape cultural narratives and promote social change. By understanding their complex impact, viewers can engage critically with the content and appreciate the positive messages while recognizing the potential for harmful stereotypes. Ultimately, the success of Pakistani dramas in influencing society lies in their ability to strike a balance between entertainment and social responsibility.

Bareera Tariq Paracha

The author is a passionate writer who shapes global narratives. As an enthusiast of English linguistics and literature, she uses her writing to explore diverse perspectives and create compelling stories.

This author does not have any more posts.