Mehreen Jabbar a renowned Pakistani drama and film director, has earned acclaim for her impactful storytelling. She has directed several critically praised dramas, including Daam, Ek Jhooti Love Story, Jackson Heights, and Doraha. Mehreen frequently speaks out about challenges in the industry, such as delayed payments and a lack of professionalism. She is currently directing a new drama featuring a star-studded cast, including Adeel Hussain, Shuja Asad, Hajra Yamin, and others.

Recently, drama director Mehreen Jabbar gave an interview to the YouTube channel Pakistani Drama, where she discussed the ongoing payment struggles in the television industry.

Talking about it, she said, “Although our drama industry has progressed significantly and is producing successful dramas, it still operates in a very unprofessional manner, especially when it comes to payments. You may find many flaws in the USA, but payments there are always on time. In Pakistan, no production house pays on time. Some do, but in most cases, you have to chase them for payment—you end up feeling like a beggar. From actors to directors to spot boys, it’s the same story. The salaries of technical crews are extremely low. They’ve mastered the art of saving money, which enables them to keep productions affordable. I don’t know how this cycle will break. It’s stressful to work in Pakistan.”

Samar Jafri plays Wali in Parwarish, a drama that addresses Gen Z issues such as mental health, parental pressure, and the complexities of parenting. The show also explores themes of young romance and one-sided attraction, portraying them in a realistic way that reflects today’s world. However, some viewers have criticized the depiction of students falling in love. Responding to the backlash, Samar Jafri shared his perspective on Gen Z romance in Parwarish during an interview with Something Haute.

Samar Jafri discussed Amal’s one-sided attraction to Wali, explaining that the drama portrays Amal as a very studious girl with no initial interest in love or romance. He said she viewed Wali as someone she could potentially fall for because he was close to her and very open with her. As a result, her feelings of attraction developed naturally. On the other hand, Wali saw Amal only as a friend and often took her care for granted. He recognized her as a problem solver and a loyal friend—and that’s the lens through which he viewed her.

Samar Jafri shared that he isn’t actively seeking roles in mainstream romance dramas, but he’s open to the idea if the script feels right. He emphasized that Pakistani television still doesn’t portray young love as it exists in real life. Referring to his character Wali, he explained how Wali is willing to leave his entire world for Maya—an intense kind of love he has witnessed among his own friends. Samar stressed the need to bring such real and relatable stories to our as they reflect the genuine emotions of today’s youth.

Sajal Aly and Ameer Gilani will star together in the upcoming drama Zanjeerain, written by acclaimed screenwriter Farhat Ishtiaq.

Currently filming in Islamabad, the project is already generating online buzz—especially after a behind-the-scenes video surfaced showing Sajal in a striking red bridal outfit.

While fans eagerly anticipate the drama, the casting has drawn mixed reactions. Many viewers celebrated Sajal’s return to the screen, calling her the “Akshay Kumar of our industry” for her frequent appearances.

However, others questioned Ameer Gilani’s casting opposite Sajal, doubting whether he has the screen presence to match her star power. Comments ranged from playful jabs to critiques about industry favoritism and repeated casting of underwhelming male leads.

Some fans defended Ameer’s potential but voiced frustration with how casting decisions often seem tied to popularity or personal connections rather than merit. Others hoped Sajal would embrace more varied looks and roles in future projects.

Also Read: Asif Raza Mir on Working with Sajal Aly Post Sajal and Ahad Split