We like to say we're going through a 'revival' of sorts when it comes to TV in Pakistan — but lets not forget dramas of yore, that were just as awesome in their day as Humsafar and Zindagi Gulzar Hai are now. To honour this success, here's a top ten list of some of the classic, old (and by old, we're talking days when there was no channel except for PTV!) but never forgotten dramas that define Pakistani television and have stayed with us forever: 1) Khuda ki Basti (1969) This is one of the oldest and greatest dramas in the history of Pakistani television. Khuda ki Basti had an unconventional storyline focusing on the prevalent social issues of society, and was telecasted twice (the second time in 1974 at the insistence of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – it was his favorite play!). To top that, Khuda ki Basti was also introduced on the syllabi of drama academies in Pune, India and around Europe.

Zafar Masud as Nosha with a co-star in Khuda Ki Basti —Photo courtesy: PTV Archives 2) Ankahi (1982) Shehnaz Sheikh and Javed Sheikh in Ankahi —Photo courtesy: dramahit.com Known for its witty dialogues and the strong, endearing, candid character of Sana (played by Shehnaz Sheikh), Ankahi was quick to reach cult status. It had a star studded cast including Javed Sheikh, Shakeel, Behroz Sabzwri and Jamshed Ansari. Inspired by Ankahi, Bollywood released the movie Chal Mere Bhai in 2000 with the same story line as the drama. 3) Dhoop Kinarey (1987) Written and directed by two of the most acclaimed women in TV, Haseena Moin and Sahira Kazmi, Dhoop Kinarey is still considered one of the best Pakistani dramas. A fast paced story of doctors working together in a hospital in Karachi, lead actors Marina Khan and Rahat Kazmi quickly became a favorite on-screen couple (the old school equivalent of Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan) 4) Ainak Wala Jin (1993) The late Nasheela of Ainak Wala Jin.

—Photo courtesy: Pakium.com The first of its kind, Ainak Wala Jin was a wonderful mix of real life, fantasy and science fiction. Programmu stalkerdataunpackerru. A genie from Caucasus Mountains is sent to Earth to get his eyesight fixed and that’s when all the adventure begins! It quickly became a household favourite, as did the characters Hamoon Jadugar, Zakoota Jin and Bill Batori. In fact, the cast was invited to perform in front of Princess Diana and the patients at Shaukat Khanum Hospital when she visited Pakistan in 1996. 5) Tanhaiyan (1985) Shehnaz Shaikh as Zara in Tanhaiyan Another cult classic, this drama was aired multiple times over the years due to its popularity. For the first time we saw two young women (sisters) taking up the traditional role of men – working jobs, running businesses, earning money and making a living – after their parents died and left them in extreme debt. After 27 years (of not getting enough of Tanhaiyan), a sequel named Tanhaiyan: Naye Silsilay was aired in 2012.