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Pakistani dramas have given us some truly unforgettable female characters over the years — women who stood their ground, fought against societal pressures, and inspired us with their strength. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a look at some of these powerful heroines and the life lessons they teach us.

Khirad — Humsafar

Khirad, played by Mahira Khan, went from being a simple girl to a woman who endured betrayal, heartbreak, and single motherhood — all while maintaining her dignity. Her story reminds us that no matter how unfair life gets, inner strength and self-respect can carry us through.

One of the most powerful scenes in Humsafar is when Khirad visits Ashar’s office and reveals the truth about Hareem. After years of separation, she returns to his life — not for forgiveness or love, but because their daughter needs life-saving medical treatment.

With quiet dignity, she tells him, “Yeh meri beti hai, Hareem Hussain. Badqismati se meri beti ke biological father aap hain [This is my daughter, Hareem Hussain. Unfortunately, you are her biological father].” This moment shatters Ashar’s misconceptions and forces him to confront the reality of his actions, making it one of the most emotionally charged scenes in the drama.

Kashaf — Zindagi Gulzar Hai

Kashaf (Sanam Saeed) grew up facing hardships, learning early on that she could only rely on herself. Despite the challenges, she persevered and proved her worth through hard work and determination. One of the most powerful scenes in Zindagi Gulzar Hai is when she secures 18th position in the CSS exam. Her father, who had abandoned her and never supported her education, suddenly reappears, offering to use his connections in Lahore to ensure her comfort, saying, “Zarurat kay waqt kaam ajayenge [They’ll be useful when needed].”

Kashaf, with a piercing gaze and quiet defiance, responds, “Zarurat kay waqt koi kaam nahi aata [When you truly need someone, no one is there].”

This moment is a defining one in her journey. It reflects the years of struggle, resilience, and self-reliance that shaped her. Unlike her father, who only values relationships when they serve his interests, Kashaf has learned to depend on herself. Her story is a testament to recognising manipulation, valuing one’s dignity, and fighting for autonomy against all odds.

Zebo — Udaari

Zebo (Areesha Ahsan/Hina Altaf) is a young girl whose life takes a tragic turn when she becomes a victim of abuse at the hands of her stepfather, Imtiaz (Ahsan Khan). But instead of letting her trauma define her, she rises with unshakable courage, refusing to be silenced.

“Main victim nahi, main survivor hoon. Main beychari nahi banoo gee, main apne mujrim ko sazaa dilwaoon gee. Sharm mujhai nahi ussay karnee chahiye [I am not a victim, I am a survivor. I will not be helpless; I will make sure my assailant is punished. It is not me who should feel ashamed, it’s him.]

Her voice, filled with pain yet unwavering in its strength, silences the courtroom. For the first time, she is not just a girl who suffered in silence — she is a warrior demanding justice. The power of this moment lies in its truth: survivors do not need to hide, and justice is possible when one dares to speak up.

Mannat — Cheekh

Mannat, played by Saba Qamar in Cheekh, is the embodiment of resilience and unwavering justice. Unlike many who choose silence in the face of power, she dares to challenge the system, even when it costs her everything.

At the beginning, Mannat is a strong-willed yet compassionate woman who leads a privileged life. However, her world turns upside down when her best friend, Nayab, is murdered, and the culprit is none other than her own influential brother-in-law, Wajih. While others choose to look away or accept defeat, Mannat refuses to let Nayab’s death go unanswered.

One of the most intense moments in Cheekh is when Mannat, after enduring emotional and physical suffering, stands in court and confronts Wajih (Bilal Abbas). Despite losing her husband, her mother and her unborn child, suffering betrayal from her loved ones, and even being institutionalized, she remains steadfast. In a chilling scene, she tells Wajih:

“Tumhein lagta hai tum azaad ho. Azaad reh kar rooh ko kaise qaid kia jata hai, ye main tumhein bataongi [You think you are free. I will show you how a soul can be imprisoned while living in freedom].”

Mannat’s fight is not just for Nayab but for every woman who has been silenced by fear and oppression. She challenges societal norms, proving that justice is worth any price.

Sila and Zainab — Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila

Sila (Yumna Zaidi), from Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila, is a young woman who has spent her life in silence and fear. She is trapped in a world where no one listens to her pain, suffering sexual abuse from a trusted family friend, Joi (Nauman Ejaz). Instead of protection, she faces doubt and neglect from those around her.

At first, Sila appears quiet and weak, afraid to stand up for herself. But as the story unfolds and her mother reveals to her what she had endured to protect her daughter from Joi, she slowly finds the courage to break free from her fear, finally saying. “Ab mujhe kisi se dar nahi lagta [I don’t fear anyone now].” Her journey is about more than survival — it’s about learning to speak up and take control of her life.

“Mere bare mein ab koi baat nahi karega, nahi faisla karega. Ab main apni baat khud karungi [No one will talk about me nor make decisions for me anymore. Now, I will speak for myself].”

Another powerful character from the drama is Zainab/Zaynee (Aamna Malick), who is bold, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge wrongdoings. Unlike Sila, she refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice and plays a crucial role in pushing Sila toward her journey of self-realisation.

“Ye jo hum middle-class log izzat ki safed chadar orh rehte hain na, Sila, is chadar ka wazan hi bohat zyada hota hai. Tamam umar humein izzat ki chadar mein aise dabaya jata hai kay is safaid izzat kay ander kya kaale kartoot horahe hain, hum kisi ko nahi bata sakte [This white sheet of honour that we middle-class people wrap ourselves in, Sila, it is incredibly heavy. Our entire lives, we are crushed under its weight so much that we can’t reveal the dark deeds hidden beneath this ‘honour’ to anyone].”

Together, their stories show the struggle between fear and courage, silence and resistance.

Durr-e-Shehwar and Shandana — Durr-e-Shehwar

Durr-e-Shehwar (Samina Peerzada/Sanam Baloch), a woman of grace and fortitude, endures the trials of a difficult marriage, teaching her daughter the value of perseverance. When she married Mansoor (Mikaal Zulfiqar/ Qavi Khan), she expected a life of love and comfort, but she was met with indifference from her husband and hostility from her mother-in-law.

It took years of endurance, patience, and wise counsel from her father for her to gain acceptance and respect in her marital home. Shandana (Nadia Jamil), her daughter, on the other hand, struggles with the idea of compromise in modern times, questioning whether endurance is the only path.

She believes her parents had the perfect marriage, but upon learning about Durr-e-Shehwar’s struggles, she gains a new perspective on love, resilience, and the realities of marriage. Their journeys reflect the evolving dynamics of marriage and the weight of societal expectations on women.

Fareeda — Digest Writer

Fareeda in Digest Writer, portrayed by Saba Qamar, is an aspiring writer who faces the harsh realities of the literary world and society’s rigid views on women’s ambitions. Coming from a humble background, she dreams of becoming a renowned novelist, but her journey is fraught with challenges — financial struggles, lack of familial support, and a publishing industry that undervalues women’s creative work. Initially, she writes under a pen name to avoid societal backlash, a choice that reflects the deep-seated biases against ambitious women in her world.

As she gains recognition, Fareeda finds herself caught between her personal desires and the expectations imposed on her. She experiences betrayal, heartbreak, and disillusionment, particularly when those around her fail to see her worth beyond her success. Despite the hardships, she remains steadfast in her pursuit, proving that talent and determination can break through even the most rigid societal barriers.

Shanaya, Azka, Kanwal, and Khadija — Ishq-e-Laa

Shanaya, Azka, Kanwal, and Khadija in Ishq-e-Laa represent various shades of strength and integrity, each embodying a different facet of resilience in the face of societal expectations. Shanaya, a fearless journalist played by Sajal Aly, dedicates her life to uncovering the truth and fighting injustice. Her unwavering commitment to her profession and moral convictions ultimately lead to her tragic demise, highlighting the sacrifices women often make in their pursuit of righteousness.

Azka (Yumna Zaidi), a young woman with aspirations of becoming a doctor, challenges class divides and societal barriers that seek to confine her dreams. Despite numerous hardships, she remains steadfast, proving that education and ambition can transcend social limitations.

After losing her husband, Kanwal (Uzma Hassan) takes on the role of the family’s provider by working as domestic help. Her journey is one of silent perseverance, reflecting the countless women who bear the weight of responsibility without recognition. Khadija (Seemi Raheal), a figure of wisdom and support, serves as a guiding force for both Azka and Kanwal.

Her strength is most evident when she ensures Kanwal’s remarriage, stating, “Agar meri apni beti hoti, tab bhi main yehi karti [If she were my own daughter, I would do the same].” This moment underscores the importance of women supporting other women.

Sana Murad — Ankahi

Sana Murad in Ankahi is an ambitious and outspoken young woman who dreams big despite societal limitations. Played by Shehnaz Sheikh, Sana’s character embodies the struggles of middle-class women who refuse to be bound by traditional roles. Her father’s early death leaves her family in financial distress, and she takes on the responsibility of securing a better future for them.

She applies for a job but initially fails due to her lack of experience. However, fate intervenes when she meets the chairman, Mr Siddiqui, who offers her a position. Sana’s journey at the office is filled with hilarious and heartwarming moments, particularly her interactions with the managing director, Taimur Ahmad. Her clumsiness and inexperience cause difficulties, but her determination shines through.

Fauzia — Baaghi

Fauzia in Baaghi, inspired by Qandeel Baloch and portrayed by Saba Qamar, undergoes a powerful yet tragic transformation. She starts as a small-town girl with big dreams, refusing to be confined by societal expectations. She faces rejection, exploitation, and betrayal, yet she refuses to bow down. She reinvents herself, using social media as a tool to amplify her voice, shocking and unsettling a deeply patriarchal society.

However, her rise is met with vicious backlash. As she gains prominence, the same society that consumes her content turns against her, branding her immoral and dangerous. Despite her financial success and growing influence, she remains vulnerable to the forces of honour and control that plague women in Pakistan. In the end, she pays the ultimate price — becoming a victim of honour killing at the hands of those who were meant to protect her.

Fauzia’s story in Baaghi is not just a tale of personal ambition; it is a reflection of the struggles faced by women who refuse to conform.

Yasmeen and Shahina — Mujhay Jeenay Do

Yasmeen and Shahina in Mujhe Jeene Do show two different sides of womanhood in a restrictive society. Yasmeen (Nadia Jamil), the village health worker, is kind and wise. She supports Saira (Hania Aamir), knowing that a child cannot handle the responsibilities of marriage. Even when she learns her husband has a second wife, she stays strong and advises her son to focus on his future. She tries to make Naseeb understand his mistakes and encourages Saira to continue her education.

Shahina (Mehreen Raheal) starts as a caring woman who helps with household chores and wins Naseeb’s trust. But after marrying him, she changes. She becomes insecure and mistreats Saira, fearing she will lose her place in Naseeb’s life. When Naseeb gives Saira financial security, Shahina feels threatened. However, in the end, she helps Saira escape, showing that she, too, was trapped in a system that controlled women’s lives.

Both women highlight how difficult life is for women in a male-dominated world — Yasmeen fights with wisdom, while Shahina struggles with jealousy and survival.

Shahnaaz — Alpha Bravo Charlie

Shahnaaz (Shahnaaz Khawaja) is a central character in Alpha Bravo Charlie, known for her charm, intelligence, and resilience. She comes from an upper-class background and initially appears as a lively and confident young woman. Throughout the series, she is caught in a love triangle between two army officers, Faraz (Faraz Inam) and Kashif (Abdullah Mehmood).

Shahnaaz is drawn to adventure and excitement, which initially makes her interested in Kashif’s playful and carefree nature. However, as time passes, she realises that Kashif lacks the maturity and emotional depth she desires in a partner. She eventually chooses Gulsher, a serious and responsible officer, as her life partner.

After marriage, Shahnaaz’s life takes a difficult turn when she struggles to adjust to the disciplined and often lonely life of an army wife. The initial romantic excitement fades, and she is left grappling with the harsh realities of Gulsher’s demanding career. Shahnaaz’s character teaches us valuable lessons about love, choices, and the realities of life beyond romantic ideals.

These women weren’t perfect, but that’s exactly what made them so powerful — they were real, flawed, and relatable. They showed us that being strong doesn’t mean being invincible; it means standing back up, learning from our struggles, and never letting the world define our worth.

Correction: A previous version of this story mistakenly said Shahnaaz married Faraz. The error has been corrected.