Short Report

Title: Content of modern dramas of Pakistan and its effects.

Introduction …………………………………………………………………1.1
Abstract …………………………………………………………………1.2
Discussion ………………………………………………………………….1.3
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………….1.4
Recommendation ……………………………………………………………..1.5
Reference …………………………………………………………………1.6
Graph and dialogue are attached as Appendix ……………………………..1.7
Introduction.
My name is shoaib Ahmad and I am writing this short report for an assignment and it was assigned by Sir
Sikandar and I have highlighted the subject matter of Pakistani dramas also the effects it offers to society
and youth.
Television is the most reliable and affordable source of entertainment, knowledge available to almost
every individual. These mediums not only play the role of entertaining the audience but also have
significant influence on individuals in terms of constructing certain beliefs about any institute. “Whoever
controls the Media controls minds,” said Jim Morrison. Now, that we know these handles are driving
forces for any society. Similarly, content decides the future of youth. Evolution is inevitable in any field
of life, but that evolution can change the dimensions of any society depending on the nature of change; it
can be positive or it can be negative.
Abstract
The content that modern dramas are offering stands completely against the old dramas on PTV. In old
dramas the national language was the center of the attention; the dressing of the characters was modest in
nature. Moreover, their script never crossed Islamic boundaries. The characters were expected to depict
due respect to their elders as people of that time were offering to their parents, which is true imitation of
society. Vulgarity and abusive language never appeared on screen. Those dramas promoted girls’
education, highlighted the evils of society, and taught tolerance. If the characters were in love, they would
tell their parents and would ask for marriage; keeping a haram relationship was considered a sin.
Eventually, the fictional characters send a wave of lessons in morals and ethics across the country.
Discussion
In contrast, the values and norms of modern dramas are non- Islamic which are not the part of Muslim
culture consequently, it hurts Muslim’s sentiments. For instance, sensationalism is a prominent feature of
modern’s dramas in which romantic and sexual stories are shown with an intent to evoke public emotions
and interest; by taking aid of bedroom scenes, romantic dialogue and physical contact. Furthermore,
vulgarity, unsuccessful marriages, the wrong concept of divorce and “hlalla” are some defining
characteristics of modern dramas. According to a report “the family courts have separated as many as
4500 out of 5000 applied for divorce”. This report more suggests the conflict is due to of failure love
marriages. The cultural influence of West has struck at such an extent that their customs have become
the part of Muslims culture. Second, marriage is considered as sin. However, keeping an affair is what
these dramas are suggesting. Women are shown as an object of attraction; almost every drama revolves
around romantic affairs of women.
Youth is asset of any nation; it is utmost important responsibility of institutions to keep the youth
motivated and ensure proper guidance. However, the dramas are playing the role quite the opposite.
Focusing particular on TV dramas, in which characters are living in a fantasy where everything is
possible; getting rich is not shown as the result of hardworking but to marry a girl who owns dowry.
Secondly, if any character is not getting their love; they would indulge themselves in taking drugs,
smoking and attempts to suicide. Thirdly, the young generation often idealizes these fictional characters
as their idol; they will adopt every possible trait of their role model in their personalities. The obvious
truth about modern dramas is they are following western customs, injecting their dressing and showing a
perfect utopian world.
Under that influence, when any individual is unable to meet the standards of ideal character; they start
considering themselves worthless, hopeless, and when they see no way out, instead of fight against
circumstances, they choose to give up. To not feel low self- esteem in the eyes of other, the youth spent
every last penny on their dressing to ensure their acknowledgment and validation. However, it looks
perfect to the outside world, but deep in their mind they are going through stress and frustration.

Modern dramas have borrowed the Hindi words from Indian dramas; children are more likely to be
affected by this influence of language. For example, “Diddi for sister” “shanti for peace” “sallay”.
Themes are often derived from Indian serial dramas. For instance, clashes between mother-in-law and
daughter-in-law, and illegitimate affairs with brother-in-law are some common themes found in modern
dramas. These dramas have linked a myth regarding birth of child; the birth of a boy is considered a
blessing whereas birth of a daughter is a curse.
There was a time when Pakistani dramas were standing apart from other dramas that being aired all over
the world. Old Pakistani dramas were known for their realistic story, satire and witty dialogue and were
portrayed in way that it became easier for people to relate. It became tradition that families after dinner
would sit together and watch the drama, after that they would discuss the characters and one of them
would extract a lesson from that drama. For instance, Taleem-e- balighan (1956) is a masterpiece drama
ever penned, the script of drama is so well written that it seems universal; regardless where and in which
age you are living this drama will be relatable to current politics. Political satire and irony in this drama
are of no compare. Another oldest and classic drama is “Khuda ki basti”. This drama highlights the
social evils and for its best storyline it was telecasted two times, one in 1969 and other in 1974 on the
insistence of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. “Ankahi” is another classic drama telecast in 1982; known for the witty
dialogues and this drama became so popular that Bollywood released the movie “Chal mere bhai” which
is based on the same story line.
There was a paradigm shift in producing dramas, with advancements in technology, and rat-racing
caused producers to produce dramas by not keeping the quality of content the priority but to earn
viewership and rating. This race resulted in the emergence to those dramas which are vulgar in nature and
families find it difficult to watch the drama together. When it comes to modern dramas, there are few
which must be highlighted. “Chup Raho”, in this drama story revolves around rape victim, as the drama
progressed further it is worth to notice that producer is obsessed with rapist, he tried to show rapist
powerful and no force can take him to knees and everything is under his control. Apart from this,
throughout the drama there are a lot of vulgar scenes which makes it difficult to watch with family. The
wrong use of “halala” is shown in the drama “Shert” this story revolves around two married friends. one
of husband, on getting heat on some matter, divorces his wife and wants his wife back. Her husband
planned that she would marry his friend who would later divorce her so that she could marry his first
husband. Inspired from American series Desperate Housewives; “band khirkiyon ke peeche” was aired in
Pakistan in which four married friends in their forties are unhappy with their husbands. So, in result one
of them was dating a younger guy and she was paying him to be with her. The message it offers to the
audience is that they can have illegitimate relationships; which is not shown as sin as far as you can keep
it a secret.
Conclusion: This short report concludes that Pakistani dramas in the name of awareness are actually
spreading vulgarity, immorality and covetousness among the youth. Modern dramas have got success in
depicting imagery world which do not exit in reality and causes the frustration and depression in audience
when they are unable to enjoy that leisure in their real life. Studies has shown these dramas has inspired
many people in taking wrong steps and increases the ratio of crimes rate in the country.
Recommendations:
Classic writers produced such masterpieces as mentioned above with least resources; their intentions were
on the quality of content not to earn rating. Modern writers lack that intention; instead of writing vulgar
and bold content; modern writers should take advantage of advanced technology and should revive the
content of classical dramas. While writing drama writer should keep the standard of content according to
values and religious beliefs of the audience. Writer should make sure that the content will evoke negative
emotions in the audience.
Government should take action against the inappropriate content of drama by imposing censorship and
heiring a comity to undertake the responsibilities; the drama should go under for review to get approval.
Drama should be reviewed under the light of morality, and vulgarity should not be part of drama.
Seminars should be conducted for these writers and producers on the importance and influence of drama
on society and highlights some consequences. It is very necessary to make them realize how they can play
their part in the development of the country.
Reference: https://doi.org/10.31703/gmr.2020(III-I).03.

https://doi.org/10.36968/JPDC-V05-I02-14.

http://www.truthbykbaig.com/2011/04/negative-impact-of-modern-tv-dramas.html.

https://reviewit.pk/bold-pakistani-dramas-that-cant-be-watched-with-family/.

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3931164.

Appendix
Vulgar dialogue In Bulbally drama. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2zzpzh.

Nakedness in Drama fraud. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x36w787.