THE WEEK THAT WAS
Dar-i-Nijaat | ARY Digital, Fri-Sat 8.00pm
Netflix-level production values and a brisk but anchored pace that other shows only dream of make this serial quite captivating.
Putting aside Nameer Khan’s struggle with one of Shakespeare’s most iconic monologues, he is perfectly cast as Zamil — handsome, privileged and unused to failure. A beautiful and accomplished girl such as Zaryab (Durr-i-Fishan Saleem) has always loved him, and she is even willing to give up her place at Harvard to be with Zamil. They announce their engagement on Instagram, even though their parents have yet to make a formal announcement. However, their magical, parents-approved relationship is suddenly threatened by Zamil’s inability to get into Harvard and whispers that perhaps the driving passion between them is not equally shared.
With glossy production values and slick direction, writer Umera Ahmed presents us with her favourite dichotomy: fragile, secular, elite dysfunction versus solid, traditional values that stand against every challenge life brings. Enter Abu Bakar (Sheheryar Munawar), a middle-class, conservative family friend from Hyderabad, Sindh, who takes care of his mother and recites the Qur’an regularly. This looks like a powerful serial if it can rise above the clichéd binaries of tradition and modernity.
Aap Ki Izzat | Hum TV, Fri-Sat 8.00pm
The plot thickens as Beena (Urwa Hocane) takes a bold, or perhaps desperate, step. Her needs are ignored and her dignity is constantly attacked. She tries to be patient but ultimately decides that if she is of no use to anyone, she will leave. Once she does, her husband, Tabish’s (Ahsan Khan) image and plans are wrecked. His daughter finds out about his plans of a second marriage and his secret nikaah is delayed. As news reaches the household of a case of suicide, Tabish’s confidence begins to crack.
To the creative team’s credit, they have brought home Beena’s predicament with such clarity that the audience’s outrage has no outlet except to cheer her on every move. The hypocrisy and selfishness of every relative and bystander are painful to watch, because they are a reflection of our society. However, it is not the only perspective. Writer Umera Ahmed’s focus on building empathy for her characters often ignores another reality: that kinder people exist, too.
Ahsan Khan and Urwa Hocane perform flawlessly, captivating the audience and critics with restrained but strong performances. Sania Saeed, as Tabish’s mother, lays out her character’s selfishness and calculations with an equally skilled and subtle hand that is well worth watching.
Shaandaar | Express TV, Fri-Sat 8.00pm
A naïve but well-meaning student, Asher (Ali Dayan) is tired of his father’s lectures and the grind of middle-class life. He takes a gamble on a new business but loses badly. Now Asher owes his wealthy, dangerous friend Salar (Adeel Afzal) a huge sum of money that he cannot even hope to pay off.
Salar is not just a spoiled brat, he is the son of a powerful criminal who has connections with the police and powerful politicians. When Salar shoots a couple of innocent young men during a road rage incident, he swears an already fearful Asher to secrecy. As the details of the victims come out and the police suppress the case, Asher is plagued by a deep sense of guilt, with only his friend Ana (Areeqa Haq) to turn to.
Ali Dayan gives a standout performance as a young man on the edge, haunted by shame and fear. Not far behind are Adeel Afzal and Areeqa Haq in this tense thriller that captures the struggles of ordinary people whose lives can be destroyed by a twist of fate.
What To Watch Out For (Or Not)
Khaffa | Geo TV, Wed-Thurs 8.00pm
Mikaal Zulfiqar and Hira Mani play two people who are betrayed by their families and who learn to face the world and heal when they connect.
Published in Dawn, ICON, August 9th, 2026
