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    Ishq Murshid: Exploring the Layers of Love, Fantasy, and Politics in Pakistani Drama

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: November 28, 2023 | | 中文

    Durefishan Saleem as Shibra and Bilal Abbas Khan as Shahmeer in Ishq Murshid

    Love stories, with their enduring allure, often serve as a captivating gateway into the realm of passion, unpredictability and intricate relationships within television dramas. HUM TV's Ishq Murshid takes on the challenge of weaving such a tale, led by the seasoned director Farooq Rind, renowned for his work on popular serials like Ishq Zahe Naseeb and Pyar Ke Sadqay. The drama sets out to captivate audiences with its unique blend of romance, fantasy and political intrigue.

    The plot unfolds with an engaging mix of unforeseen twists and romance, as scripted by Abdul Khaliq Khan. The initial episodes present a compelling narrative and introduces intriguing characters including Shibra (Dur-e-Fishan Saleem), a dutiful daughter and Salman (Noor ul Hassan), an honest government officer facing false allegations. The parallel track delves into Shibra's sister Sukaina's marriage challenges, impeded by her fiancé’s unemployment, and their expectations of Salman's assistance. The stage is set when Shahmeer (Bilal Abbas Khan) returns from the UK, instantly falling in love with Shibra and initiating a one-sided love story.

    Durefishan Saleem, Salma Hassan, Noor ul Hassan and Hafsa Ehsan

    Farooq Rind's direction serves as a visual treat, seamlessly blending light, dark and romantic moments to transport viewers into a captivating world. Exemplary camera work and aesthetic settings elevate the overall production quality, providing a visually pleasing experience. The captivating cinematography adds depth to the storytelling, enriching the audience's engagement.

    Salma Hassan and Durefishan Saleem in Ishq Murshid

    Despite these strengths, the script encounters stumbling blocks. Shibra's character, initially dutiful, becomes preachy and lacks depth. Certain sequences raise questions about the normalization of stalking and breaking rules of friendship. Opportunities for elevated humor, especially in scenes discussing Fazal Baksh's credentials, could enhance the overall experience. Additionally, Shahmeer's father, Sikander, might benefit from a revamp to reflect the aura of a politically significant figure.

    On the performance front, Ishq Murshid shines. Bilal Abbas Khan impresses with his versatility, delivering a compelling performance as Shahmeer. Dur-e-Fishan Saleem shows improvement with each project, while Noor-ul-Hassan excels in his supporting role as Shibra's father. Omair Rana leaves a mark, and effective performances from Rabia Noreen and Srha Asghar contribute to the drama's impact.

    Durefishan Saleem, Srha Asghar and Awais Sulaman

    Viewers have responded positively, describing the drama as filmy and magical. Bilal Abbas Khan's acting has been a highlight, earning praise for both his looks and performance as the leading man. While Durefishan Saleem has received compliments, although some viewers have suggested alternative actresses for the role.

    The drama reintroduces the concept of a double role, standing out in the Pakistani drama landscape. The central mystery surrounding Shah Mir's mother's murder adds an intriguing layer, and Sukaina's character impresses in the latest episode, contributing natural expressions and depth to the narrative.

    Samiya Mumtaz and Bilal Abbas

    Ishq Murshid delves into the grey shades of its hero, Shahmeer, whose questionable actions include kidnapping. However, the narrative suggests noble motives, aiming to save his mother's party at all costs. Shibra's judgmental nature and condescending behavior pose challenges in rooting for her character.

    Entertaining scenes between Bilal Abbas Khan and Noor Ul Hassan inject humor and vitality into the storyline. Despite script inconsistencies and plot details, Ishq Murshid continues to engage viewers with its unique blend of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue.

    In the latest episodes, the drama takes unexpected twists, with Sukaina discovering the real character of Shahmeer. Shahmeer's adept manipulation of situations adds complexity, leaving viewers intrigued about future revelations. The evolving relationship between Shahmeer and his father, Dawood, indicates a change in their previously distant dynamic.

    Bilal Abbas, Omair Rana and Zarmeena Ikram in Ishq Murshid

    While the drama is not flawless, including forced scenes and script inconsistencies, it successfully engages viewers with its intriguing plot and character dynamics. The high production quality, commendable performances, and the unique blend of romance, politics and mystique contribute to Ishq Murshid's distinctive appeal in the drama landscape. The drama invites viewers to immerse themselves in its fantasy world, acknowledging that certain events must be viewed with a willingness to suspend reality.

    In conclusion, Ishq Murshid stands as a testament to creative thinking and exploration of serious themes within Pakistani dramas. The stellar cast and engaging storyline position the drama to make a lasting impact. As it unfolds further, the drama's ability to balance fantasy, romance and political intrigue keeps viewers hooked, making it a must-watch for those appreciating diverse and inventive storytelling in the drama landscape.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021