Among the dramas that became particularly popular in homes in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi were Dhoop Kinare, Tanhaiyaan, Ankahi, Alpha Bravo Charlie and Ainak Wala Jin. Recorded episodes were often carried in suitcases from Pakistan and then shared from one family to another. With repeated copying and viewing, the picture quality would gradually deteriorate, but the stories remained popular across generations.
Dhoop Kinare (1987)
Written by Haseena Moin and directed by Sahira Kazmi, Dhoop Kinare starred Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi.
The 13-episode drama revolved around two doctors working at a hospital in Karachi, with their contrasting personalities and gradually developing relationship at the centre of the story.
Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi became one of the most memorable on-screen couples of Pakistani television. The drama's popularity was also strengthened by its music, including a Faiz Ahmed Faiz poem performed by legendary singer Nayyara Noor.
Tanhaiyaan (1985)
Written by Haseena Moin and directed by Shahzad Khalil, Tanhaiyaan featured Shehnaz Sheikh, Marina Khan and Behroze Sabzwari.
The story followed two sisters who lose their parents and their home and attempt to rebuild their lives while trying to regain their family property.
The drama stood out for portraying young women who worked, ran businesses and pursued financial independence. Despite dealing with serious themes, the series was also known for its humour and memorable characters.
Ankahi (1982)
Haseena Moin's Ankahi starred Shehnaz Sheikh, Javed Sheikh, Behroze Sabzwari and Qazi Wajid.
Its central character, Sana Murad, became one of the most recognisable female characters in Pakistani television. She was ambitious, outspoken and determined to find work despite lacking formal qualifications.
Shehnaz Sheikh's portrayal made Sana Murad a cultural reference point in Pakistani households. The story also attracted attention beyond Pakistan, with the 2000 Bollywood film Chal Mere Bhai drawing heavily on elements of the storyline.
Alpha Bravo Charlie (1998)
Created by Shoaib Mansoor, Alpha Bravo Charlie followed three friends who joined the Pakistan Army and traced their journey from military training onwards.
Unlike many earlier PTV productions, the drama was filmed extensively on location rather than relying primarily on studio sets. Its military setting, friendships and production style made it one of the most remembered Pakistani television dramas of its era.
The series was created by Shoaib Mansoor before his later films Khuda Kay Liye and Bol.
Ainak Wala Jin (1993)
For a younger generation, Ainak Wala Jin became one of the most memorable children's dramas on Pakistani television.
The fantasy series revolved around a genie who arrives on Earth and becomes involved in a series of unusual adventures. The character of Zakoota Jin became particularly popular and remains a nostalgic reference for many Pakistanis who grew up watching PTV in the 1990s.
The cast of the series also performed for Princess Diana during her 1996 visit to Pakistan.
Haseena Moin's lasting legacy
Three of the five dramas Ankahi, Tanhaiyaan and Dhoop Kinare were written by the late Haseena Moin, one of Pakistan's most influential television writers.
Moin was known for creating female characters who had careers, opinions, ambitions and the confidence to make their own choices. Her heroines were often outspoken and independent, while the stories allowed them to challenge traditional expectations.
Haseena Moin died in March 2021, prompting widespread tributes across Pakistan and recognition of her contribution to television drama.
For Pakistani families in the UAE, these dramas represented more than television. Before satellite channels and streaming services, watching them often meant waiting for a VHS cassette to arrive from Pakistan and then gathering with family and friends to watch it.
Despite poor picture quality after repeated copying, the stories, characters and dialogues survived and many of these dramas remain part of Pakistan's television nostalgia decades later.
