PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN CHARACTERS IN PRIVATE TELEVISION SERIALS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The portrayal of women characters in Pakistani private television serials has been a subject of academic and societal discourse, as these narratives both reflect and shape prevailing gender norms in society. This study critically examined the representation of women in ten prominent Pakistani dramas Hadsa, Sar-e-Rah, Mayi Ri, Kuch Ankahi, Fitna, Ehsaan Faramosh, Qarz-e-Jaan, Dastak, Dil Wali Gali, and Noor Jahan to assess whether these portrayals reinforce traditional stereotypes or contribute to progressive gender narratives. Using a qualitative approach, the research  was  linked with Pakistan private television serials. The analysis, grounded in feminist media theory and the representational framework of Shohat and Stam, identifies recurring themes, evolving archetypes, and narrative shifts over the past five years. The results reveal that while traditional portrayals of women as submissive, self-sacrificing, or morally polarized figures continue to dominate.