Pakistan’s Storytelling Powerhouse

As the day breaks and the world begins to awaken, Farhat Ishtiaq is already at her desk, surrounded by her notes and the quiet stillness of the rising morning. In these hours, uninterrupted by the bustle of the day, she draws upon her creative flow to weave the stories that will captivate millions across Pakistan. “These are my best hours,” she says. “It’s when I feel closest to my characters; when I can really let their stories unfold. Characters need backstories and depth. If they are flawed, there is a reason why, and I need to understand why.”

Ishtiaq’s journey as a writer is rooted in a childhood rich with experiences and exposure to literature. She spent her early years in Tokyo, where her father worked for PIA. Enveloped by the stillness of snowy nights, she would gaze at the stars and spin tales. “It was always there,” she says of her gift for storytelling, which she cultivated upon returning to Pakistan, growing up in a house full of books and where her family encouraged her love for reading.

When not writing, she finds inspiration in a variety of shows and films, absorbing storytelling from different genres and cultures. “I watch a lot of content from around the world; Korean, Turkish, Egyptian… anything that resonates with human emotions – dramas that delve into relationships, struggles and victories.” This is what fuels her creativity and allows her to create stories that capture public imagination.

Although she initially pursued a degree in civil engineering, Ishtiaq’s path changed when she wrote a short story during a break from her studies. The piece was published, marking the beginning of her career as a writer, although she continued to work as a civil engineer while simultaneously writing.

Seeing her work in print gave her the confidence to write regularly for digests, (known for their wide reach and loyal readership), rapidly gaining immense popularity among digest fiction readers. So popular that her serialised episodes were later compiled and published as novels, many of which became bestsellers. It was, however, the success of Humsafar that gave her the confidence to leave her job and focus solely on writing. “I have a degree in civil engineering and I had a steady job, but I am a storyteller at heart.” Now, with a legacy of hit dramas such as Humsafar, Udaari and her latest super hit, Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum, she has become one of Pakistan’s most cherished screenwriters.

Ishtiaq’s dramas capture the struggles and dreams of Pakistan’s middle class, a demographic that faces challenges that are at once universal and uniquely Pakistani. Her work is celebrated for its honesty, emotional depth and relatability. Her latest masterpiece, Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum, starring Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir, has made history as Pakistan’s most-watched drama serial. Directed by Badar Mehmood, the show tells the classic “opposites attract” love story between Mustafa and Sharjeena. The drama has entertained over 158 million viewers and averaged a record-breaking 43.7 million views per episode. It achieved over 1.4 billion views on YouTube and a remarkable IMDB rating of 9.2. Not only has the series trended across Pakistan, but it has also resonated deeply with international viewers, solidifying Ishtiaq’s reputation as a powerhouse in Pakistani storytelling.

Talking about her creative process, Ishtiaq is quick to credit her family for their support. The process is collaborative, enriched by her family’s involvement. Her sister Huma has been a crucial partner from the start, bringing new insights and helping shape pivotal scenes. “Huma is more than a sister; she is my creative ally,” she says, recalling a scene in Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum where a bride’s request for food on her wedding night added a humorous touch with the groom bringing her an entire daigh of biryani.

Her cousin Sikandar, in whose office we are conducting the interview, has also played a critical role in her work, especially with stories that involve legal and investigative elements, providing insights into the procedures of government agencies and even helping shape scenes where the characters are interrogated or arrested. “Sikandar helped bring those scenes to life. He explained the body language, the dialogue – it added a layer of realism that I could not have achieved alone,” she says.

Her nephew, Hasan, who recently graduated in computer science, helped her develop the character of a professional gamer in Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum, adding authenticity to scenes. “Hasan walked me through everything – from gaming strategies to how a young gamer would react in tense situations.” For Ishtiaq, these collaborations with family not only enrich her stories but make her process deeply personal.

Ishtiaq is now stepping into the global arena. Her upcoming Netflix series, Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, is based on her novel of the same name and will become Pakistan’s first Netflix original. “It’s a challenge, balancing international expectations while staying true to my roots,” she says. The series will feature a stellar Pakistani cast, including Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, and explores different timelines, blending traditional Pakistani storytelling with a faster Netflix-style format. “They approached us because they wanted an authentic Pakistani story. The beauty of our dramas is their simplicity and depth. This is something I will not compromise on.”

Despite Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum being the biggest hit on Pakistani television and her Netflix series on the horizon, Farhat Ishtiaq shows no signs of slowing down. She is also working on her first romantic comedy, Meem Se Mohabbat, a genre shift that she describes as “refreshing but challenging. Comedy is hard; it is easy to make someone cry, but making them laugh is an art.”

For Ishtiaq, storytelling is more than entertainment – it’s a responsibility. Her drama Udaari, which tackled child abuse, opened doors to conversations long considered taboo. “Writing that script changed me and some nights I couldn’t sleep,” she recalls, describing the emotional toll of speaking to survivors and their families. “It was painful but necessary.” The show received widespread praise, strengthening her belief that stories can be a mirror and a guide for society.

Despite Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum being the biggest hit on Pakistani television and her Netflix series on the horizon, Ishtiaq shows no signs of slowing down. She is also working on her first romantic comedy, Meem Se Mohabbat, a genre shift that she describes as “refreshing but challenging. Comedy is hard; it is easy to make someone cry, but making them laugh is an art.”

Reflecting on her journey, she is grateful for her family’s support and the collaborative spirit that defines her career. Ishtiaq’s stories, grounded in empathy and rich with cultural insight, are a testament to the power of family, connection and authenticity. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”

In an industry focused on spectacle, her work reminds us of the beauty in simplicity. Her dramas do more than entertain – they connect, inspire and foster a sense of belonging. As she brings Pakistani storytelling to new audiences, one thing is certain. Farhat Ishtiaq’s stories will endure, bridging worlds by speaking to the soul of Pakistan and beyond.

Shahrezad Samiuddin works in communications and is an agony aunt. shahrezadsamiuddin@hotmail.com