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.
