LAHORE – Veteran actor Afzal Khan, better known by his screen name Jan Rambo, has expressed disappointment over what he described as limited opportunities and typecasting during his decades-long career in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

Speaking on a television programme, the actor reflected on his transition from films to television following the decline of Pakistan’s film industry and said he had often been restricted to comic roles despite aspiring to portray more serious and powerful characters.

Jan Rambo, who has appeared in hundreds of films over a career spanning more than three decades, said his popularity as a comedian and dancer often overshadowed his broader acting abilities.

Recalling his early years in the industry, he said senior actors such as Javed Sheikh and Nadeem Baig were frequently cast in prominent roles that allowed them to demonstrate their range as performers, while younger actors were often confined to dance numbers or action-oriented parts.

He said that by the time he had gained the experience and maturity needed for more complex roles, Pakistan’s film industry had already entered a period of decline, limiting opportunities for actors of his generation.

The actor added that television has yet to provide him with roles that fully reflect his capabilities and experience.

Despite the challenges, Jan Rambo said he remains committed to acting and hopes to be offered meaningful and dignified roles that would allow him to showcase the full extent of his talent.

KARACHI – Pakistani television dramas have traditionally revolved around themes of romance, family relationships and domestic conflicts. However, in recent years, producers have increasingly experimented with alternative genres, introducing audiences to stories driven by suspense, mystery and psychological intrigue.

Among those credited with supporting such projects are producers Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi of 7th Sky Entertainment, whose productions have explored concepts beyond conventional television narratives.

For viewers seeking shorter series with fast-paced storytelling, several suspense thrillers have emerged as notable additions to the genre.

Contractors

One such project is Contractors, a five-episode mini-series that blends crime, mystery and humour.

The story follows Nigar and Rashid, an elderly couple who appear to lead an ordinary life alongside their tenant, Sara. Beneath their quiet lifestyle, however, lies an unexpected secret: they are contract killers. Their decision to take on one final assignment in an effort to help Sara achieve her dream of studying abroad leads to a chain of events that threatens to expose their hidden past.

Written by Mohammed Ahmed and Shah Yasir and directed by Mehreen Jabbar, the series stars Mohammed Ahmed, Shamim Hilaly, Mamya Shajaffar, Agha Mustafa Hassan, Rashid Farooqi and Haris Waheed, among others.

Jurm

Another notable entry in the genre is Jurm, a four-episode thriller centred on a murder investigation.

Starring Wahaj Ali and Durefishan Saleem, the drama follows Daniyal, whose life is turned upside down when he becomes entangled in a murder case linked to his wife, Ayla. As the investigation progresses, hidden motives, secrets and conflicting narratives gradually emerge.

Written by Shah Yasir and directed by Mehreen Jabbar, the series focuses on psychological tension and mystery rather than conventional romantic storylines. The cast also includes Tooba Siddiqui, Atiqa Odho, Mohammed Ehteshamuddin, Zhalay Sarhadi and Tazeen Hussain.

Hashtag

Exploring the influence of social media, Hashtag brings a contemporary twist to the suspense genre.

The four-episode drama begins with the disappearance of two social media influencers, Xara and Rasha, after a party. Their friends embark on a search for answers, uncovering secrets hidden behind carefully curated online personas.

Written by Shah Yasir and directed by Mehreen Jabbar, Hashtag examines themes of influencer culture, digital identity and the pressures associated with online fame. The cast features Sabeena Farooq, Usama Khan, Maha Hasan, Raeed Mohammad, Ali Ansari and Raza Zaidi.

As audiences increasingly seek alternatives to traditional drama formats, these shorter suspense-driven productions reflect a growing willingness within Pakistan’s television industry to experiment with new genres and storytelling approaches.

LAHORE – Pakistani content creators are highlighting everyday experiences of fatherhood on TikTok, sharing personal and emotional moments that reflect the bond between fathers and their children.

Ahead of Father’s Day, creators are posting a mix of light-hearted clips, family interactions and reflective stories under the global hashtag #FathersDay, which has drawn millions of posts worldwide.

Across Pakistan, several creators have gained traction for showcasing their family lives through short videos that focus on care, companionship and everyday parenting moments.

Everyday moments of parenting shared online

Among the creators sharing such content is a TikTok user known as @umarkhan155, a father of four daughters, who regularly posts videos capturing playful and affectionate family interactions. His content has attracted millions of engagements, reflecting audience interest in relatable parenting moments.

Another account, @aliandbaba1, features family-centred content highlighting everyday experiences between a father and child, ranging from humorous exchanges to emotional interactions. The videos focus on routine domestic moments that underline the emotional connection within families.

Similarly, creator Sharjeel Vlogs shares short clips depicting small gestures of care, including fulfilling children’s wishes and documenting daily routines that reflect the father-daughter bond.

Growing digital space for family storytelling

Creators say such content resonates with audiences because it reflects ordinary yet meaningful aspects of family life. The videos often emphasise that fatherhood is expressed not only through major milestones, but also through small, consistent acts of care and presence.

Social media platforms like TikTok have increasingly become spaces where users share personal narratives, with family-oriented content gaining steady popularity among viewers.

The trend highlights how short-form video platforms are reshaping storytelling around family relationships, particularly fatherhood, by turning everyday interactions into widely shared digital moments.

The ongoing #FathersDay conversation continues to feature a wide range of posts, as users share memories, tributes and personal reflections on fatherhood and family life.