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Hum TV

Hum TV is a 24-hour Urdu-language general entertainment television channel based in , , specializing in dramas, telefilms, reality shows, and award ceremonies targeted at South Asian audiences. It serves as the flagship brand of Hum Network Limited, a publicly traded company listed on the under the ticker HUMNL, which operates multiple channels including Hum News, Hum Sitaray, and Hum Masala. Launched on January 17, 2005, Hum TV was founded by media executive , who also established the parent in 2004 (initially as Eye Television Network), alongside Duraid Qureshi as a key collaborator in its development. The channel has grown into one of Pakistan's premier entertainment platforms, emphasizing high-quality content that entertains and enriches viewers through culturally relevant storytelling, with a mission to deliver outstanding programming using professional best practices for long-term audience engagement. By 2025, marking its 20th anniversary, Hum TV introduced a refreshed visual identity to reflect its evolution and continued innovation in the industry. Hum TV's programming portfolio features popular drama serials such as Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi and Masoom, alongside events like the annual , which debuted in 2013 to honor excellence in Pakistani television. The channel reaches a global through on its official and maintains a strong digital presence via platforms like and , solidifying its status as a cultural powerhouse in Pakistani media.

History

Founding and Launch

Hum TV was established by veteran television producer and her son Duraid Qureshi, who served as co-founders and driving forces behind its creation. The channel operated under the umbrella of Hum Network Limited, which had been incorporated earlier as Eye Television Network Limited in February 2004 to lay the groundwork for a venture in . Drawing from Siddiqui's extensive experience at (PTV), where she began her career in 1974, the founders envisioned a platform that would promote positive cultural representation and high-quality programming to counter prevailing trends in local media. This initiative stemmed from three years of meticulous planning, including the establishment of Moomal Productions in 2014 as a production arm to develop original content. The channel officially launched on January 17, 2005, from its base in Karachi, Pakistan, marking the debut of Hum Network's flagship offering. As a 24-hour Urdu general entertainment channel, Hum TV was designed to cater to diverse family audiences, with a particular focus on women across socioeconomic segments, as determined through targeted focus group research. Early operations emphasized professional production standards and original Urdu-language content to revive demand for meaningful entertainment in the local market, prioritizing fresh narratives over imported or repeated material. From inception, ownership remained with , a publicly listed entity on the , enabling stable funding for content development without immediate structural changes. The channel's programming lineup initially featured a mix of dramas, sitcoms, and light-hearted shows, aiming to engage viewers with relatable stories that reflected Pakistani culture and values. This foundational approach positioned Hum TV as a key player in Urdu entertainment, setting the stage for broader network expansions in subsequent years.

Key Milestones and Growth

In 2011, the network underwent a significant , changing its corporate name from Eye Television Network Limited to Limited on January 21, which aligned with the channel's evolving identity as a premier entertainment platform. This period marked a turning point, catalyzed by the immense success of the drama series (2011–2012), which achieved widespread acclaim and viewership, propelling Hum TV into what is often regarded as a "Golden Age" of Pakistani television dramas through its compelling storytelling and cultural resonance. Building on this momentum, Hum TV introduced the Hum Awards in 2013 as an annual ceremony to honor excellence in Pakistani television, fashion, and music, with the inaugural event held on March 12 in , fostering industry recognition and talent development. A major technical advancement followed in 2018, when Hum TV launched high-definition () broadcasting on May 1, discontinuing its standard-definition feed in to enhance production quality, visual clarity, and overall viewer experience amid growing demand for premium content. By the mid-2020s, Hum TV had expanded its global footprint, broadcasting across , the , the Americas, and through dedicated feeds like Hum World HD for and /, and Hum for European audiences, reflecting sustained viewership growth among the and international viewers. In 2025, the channel commemorated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded on January 18 at the Governor's House in , featuring live performances, special programming slots, and tributes to its legacy of innovation. Recent developments from 2024 to 2025 have further diversified Hum TV's revenue mix through strategic partnerships and rights acquisitions, including securing non-exclusive () broadcasting rights (shared with PTV and Tower Sports) for major events like the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy, alongside increased emphasis on international co-productions to bolster content export and global collaboration. These initiatives have contributed to a 21% year-over-year net profit increase to PKR 2.61 billion in FY24, underscoring the network's adaptive growth in a competitive media landscape.

Ownership and Operations

Ownership Structure

Hum TV has been primarily owned by Hum Network Limited since its inception and launch in 2005. Hum Network Limited, a incorporated on February 25, 2004, under the Companies Ordinance, 1984, was initially named Eye Television Network Limited before adopting its current name in 2011; it is listed on the under the HUMNL. The structure remains family-controlled within the Siddiqui- network, with no major transfers or changes reported since the company's founding. Duraid , son of founder , holds approximately 47.4% of the shares as and , while serves as president and ; other family members, including Shunaid with 5.38% stake, further consolidate control. Under Hum Network Limited's umbrella, Hum TV integrates with sister channels such as Hum Sitaray, focused on general entertainment, and Hum Europe, targeting overseas Pakistani audiences, all managed through the parent company's unified operations. Financially, by 2025 (ended June 30), Hum Network Limited generated consolidated revenue of approximately Rs11.5 billion, derived mainly from advertising (the largest stream at around 62% in recent breakdowns), international syndication of , and platforms. has emerged as a significant contributor, with and subscription revenues growing to Rs2.2 billion at a 30% compound annual rate over the past decade, bolstering the network's diversification amid traditional TV challenges.

Management and Executives

Sultana Siddiqui is the founder and president of Limited, the entity owning Hum TV, where she has guided the channel's creative vision and content strategy since its inception in 2005. Under her leadership, Hum TV has become a prominent force in Pakistani entertainment, emphasizing innovative storytelling and family-centric programming that resonates with diverse audiences. Siddiqui's pioneering role as the first woman in to establish a major television network has earned her numerous national and international accolades for advancing media standards. Duraid , Sultana Siddiqui's son and co-founder, serves as the CEO of Limited, spearheading business development, operational expansions, and strategic partnerships for Hum TV. His efforts have focused on enhancing the network's commercial viability, including diversification into digital platforms and international distribution to broaden Hum TV's global footprint. In January 2025, refuted reports of Qureshi stepping down, affirming his continued leadership amid the channel's 20th anniversary celebrations. Momina Duraid, married to Duraid Qureshi, acts as the senior producer and creative head at Hum TV, while also leading her independent production company, Momina Duraid Productions. She plays a pivotal role in curating the channel's drama slate, selecting projects that align with Hum TV's commitment to quality narratives and cultural relevance. Her contributions have been key in producing acclaimed series that highlight social themes and empower emerging talent in Pakistani television.

Broadcast and Technical Aspects

Domestic and International Reach

Hum TV is widely available in through satellite broadcasting on Paksat MM1 at 38.2° East, frequency 4125 H (horizontal), /8PSK, operating as an encrypted channel (Conax) that reaches households nationwide via dish antennas with authorized decoders. It is also distributed through major networks and IPTV services regulated by the (PEMRA), which licenses cable operators to carry channels like Hum TV across urban and rural areas. The channel's primary domestic audience consists of Urdu-speaking families, particularly in major urban centers such as —its operational base—and , where viewership trends indicate strong engagement with entertainment programming. Internationally, Hum TV extends its reach to the through specialized feeds, including Hum Europe for the United Kingdom and , Hum MENA for the , and Hum World HD for . These feeds deliver localized schedules of dramas and shows, ensuring accessibility for overseas viewers via satellite and cable platforms. Partnerships enhance this global footprint; for instance, Hum TV is distributed in the through Network's Pak Mega Pack, which includes the channel on position 618-01 for Urdu-speaking subscribers. In , it is available on platform at channel 744, targeting expatriate communities. The channel's international strategy focuses on Urdu-speaking families within the , fostering cultural connections through content that resonates with themes of family, romance, and social issues. By 2025, these efforts have positioned Hum TV as a key entertainer for millions of global viewers, with partnerships like Alliance Advertising & Marketing in the UK and , Axle Communications in MENA, and ZAH Marketing in supporting targeted outreach.

Upgrades and Format Changes

Hum TV transitioned to high-definition () broadcasting on May 1, 2018, discontinuing its standard-definition () feed for viewers in and making HD the exclusive format available domestically. This shift aligned the channel with modern viewing standards, requiring updates to transmission infrastructure on platforms like Paksat MM1 to deliver full HD feeds nationwide. The HD upgrade incorporated the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio as the standard for new content, particularly dramas, along with enhanced audio quality to support stereo and surround sound capabilities, improving production values and immersion for audiences. By 2020, the channel had fully implemented HD across all its primary feeds, including international variants like Hum World HD, ensuring consistent high-resolution delivery. The transition necessitated higher production budgets to meet HD technical requirements, such as better lighting, camera equipment, and post-production processes, while contributing to improved viewer retention through superior visual and audio fidelity.

Digital Presence

YouTube Expansion

Hum TV launched its official YouTube channel on May 25, 2011, as part of an early digital expansion effort to complement its traditional television broadcasts and reach global audiences beyond Pakistan. This initiative aligned with the network's broader push into online content distribution around the early 2010s, allowing viewers to access dramas and shows on-demand. By November 2025, the channel had amassed approximately 52.9 million subscribers, reflecting significant growth driven by the popularity of Urdu-language serials among diaspora communities in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The channel's content strategy emphasizes timely uploads of full drama episodes, typically released within 24 hours of their television premiere, alongside promotional teasers, behind-the-scenes footage, and highlight clips to engage viewers. This approach has propelled total views to over 48 billion by November 2025, with popular series like and recent hits such as Jama Taqseem contributing millions of views per episode through complete uploads that cater to international time zones and repeat viewings. The strategy not only boosts accessibility but also fosters community interaction via comments and shares, amplifying organic reach. Monetization through ads and sponsorships has evolved into a major revenue pillar for , with digital platforms accounting for nearly a quarter of core business income by mid-2025 and growing at a 30% compound annual rate to reach Rs. 2.2 billion in the ending 2025. A key milestone in 2024–2025 was the influence of 's acquisition of , which diversified content into live sports streaming and indirectly bolstered 's role as a primary by enhancing overall synergies and viewer retention. This shift has positioned revenue to rival traditional TV advertising, underscoring Hum TV's adaptation to streaming trends.

Other Digital and Social Media Initiatives

Hum TV's account, @humtvpakistanofficial, serves as a primary platform for promotional activities, amassing over 6 million followers by November 2025 and featuring teasers for ongoing series such as the 2025 drama Masoom. The channel regularly posts behind-the-scenes content, celebrity endorsements, and interactive polls to foster audience connection, contributing to heightened engagement during prime-time broadcasts. On , Hum TV's official page maintains a substantial following of more than 16 million users, where it shares updates on programming schedules, fan-submitted content, and archival clips to sustain long-term viewer loyalty. Complementing this, the network's official enables streaming of both classic dramas and new episodes, with 2025 updates facilitating offline downloads and personalized recommendations for global users. Key initiatives include live streaming of major events, such as the 10th in October 2025, broadcast across platforms to reach international audiences in . Interactive fan engagements, like sessions and live chats on , have strengthened community ties, while partnerships with services such as provide broader international access to Hum TV's content library. In 2024, targeted campaigns notably expanded drama viewership in markets through culturally resonant promotions.

Programming

Current Original Series

As of November 2025, Hum TV's current original series lineup features a mix of family dramas, emotional narratives, and explorations, primarily airing in slots between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM , with episodes typically lasting 40-45 minutes. These Urdu-language productions target family audiences, particularly women and young adults in and the , emphasizing relatable themes without dubbed versions. In late 2025, the channel maintains approximately 8-10 active original series, including daily and weekly formats. Key ongoing series include Masoom, which premiered on August 10, 2025, and airs Sundays at 8:00 PM, starring Imran Ashraf and Sonya Hussyn in a family drama centered on interpersonal relationships and moral dilemmas. The show explores themes of innocence and societal pressures, appealing to viewers interested in character-driven stories. Goonj continues to air Fridays at 8:00 PM, featuring Komal Meer, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, and Feroz Kadri in an emotional narrative about personal struggles and resilience. This series focuses on heartfelt family dynamics and inner conflicts, drawing a broad demographic through its poignant storytelling. In the daily intrigue slot, Ek Jhooti Kahani broadcasts Saturdays at 8:00 PM, starring and , weaving a plot of and revelations that sustains viewer engagement week-to-week. Aimed at urban audiences seeking suspenseful content, it highlights themes of trust and betrayal in modern relationships. Addressing social issues, Jama Taqseem airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM, with Episode 19 released on November 12, 2025, led by and , tackling inheritance disputes and gender roles within families. The drama resonates with middle-class viewers by portraying real-world challenges in Pakistani society. For lighter fare, the comedy-drama hybrid Jinn Ki Shadi Un Ki Shadi runs multiple days weekly, including episodes on November 3-4 and 8, 2025, starring and Sehar Khan since its September 8, 2025 premiere, blending elements with romantic humor. Targeted at younger demographics, it offers entertaining through witty dialogues and fantastical twists. Other active series include Meri Bahuain, a daily 7:00 PM exploring in-law , and Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi Season 2, airing weekdays at 9:00 PM with historical action elements. Newcomer Khawabon Mein Mili debuted on November 9, 2025, at 9:00 PM Sundays, focusing on love and destiny.

Former Original Series

Hum TV's former original series represent a significant portion of the channel's programming , showcasing the evolution of Pakistani from light-hearted narratives to complex social commentaries since the channel's launch in 2005. Over nearly two decades, these concluded productions have included more than series across diverse genres, with many achieving widespread acclaim for their and cultural resonance. Early efforts focused on family-oriented romances and comedies, while later seasons delved into deeper themes like societal issues, , and psychological thrillers, influencing viewer perceptions and setting benchmarks for production quality.

Prime Time Series

Prime time slots on Hum TV have been dominated by influential dramas that captured massive audiences through compelling character arcs and emotional depth. (2011–2012), directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, marked a breakthrough in romantic storytelling, exploring arranged marriages and personal sacrifices in a Pakistani context; it aired from September 24, 2011, to March 23, 2012, and is celebrated as a timeless tale that redefined the genre on the channel. The comedy (2018–2019) brought levity with its portrayal of familial antics and generational clashes during Ramadan specials; season 1 ran from May 17 to June 16, 2018, while season 2 aired from May 7 to June 5, 2019, earning praise for its relatable humor and strong .

Daily Series

Daily soaps provided extended narratives that built intense viewer loyalty, often tackling contemporary relationships and moral dilemmas. Meray Paas Tum Ho (2019–2020), produced by Six Sigma Plus Productions, achieved record-breaking viewership with its exploration of infidelity and redemption; it premiered on August 12, 2019, and concluded on January 5, 2020, registering peak ratings of 18.3 TRP in Pakistan, the highest for any drama that year.

Anthology and Miniseries

formats allowed Hum TV to address social issues through bite-sized, impactful stories. Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain (2013–2023) stands out as a landmark series with multiple seasons focusing on women's experiences and societal taboos; inspired by real-life narratives, it ran seasonally from 2011 onward, with key installments between 2013 and 2023 concluding its run as a platform for progressive dialogues. Recent concluded like Laadli (2024–2025), a centered on and rivalries, wrapped up after 85 episodes on October 17, 2025, highlighting the channel's shift toward serialized explorations of modern conflicts.

Comedy/Sitcoms and Horror

Comedy and lighter fare offered respite amid heavier dramas, with emphasizing everyday absurdities. Mr. Shamim (2014–2015), a weekly written by and , depicted the mishaps of a middle-class family and aired from late 2014 to early 2015, gaining popularity for its satirical take on urban life. In the genre, early experiments like Chehra (2011) introduced elements through short teleplays, blending with moral lessons in limited-run episodes that aired during late-night slots. Telefilms and specials, such as pre-2025 Hum Style Awards tie-ins, provided episodic entertainment with celebrity cameos and fashion-themed narratives, often limited to seasonal broadcasts. These former series not only filled programming gaps but also paved the way for Hum TV's genre diversification, transitioning from escapist entertainment to narratives that mirror societal evolution.

Production Partners

MD Productions

MD Productions is a Pakistani and company founded by in 2005, specializing in high-quality drama serials primarily for Hum TV. As the creative head and CEO, Duraid has overseen the company's focus on compelling narratives that resonate with Pakistani audiences, establishing it as a cornerstone of Hum TV's programming success. The company has produced several landmark dramas, including the iconic Humsafar (2011), which featured rising stars Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan and became a cultural phenomenon for its portrayal of complex relationships. Other notable works include Mann Mayal (2016) and the recent collaboration Masoom (2025), starring Imran Ashraf and Sonya Hussyn, which explores themes of innocence and family dynamics. MD Productions emphasizes meticulous script development, often adapting popular novels or original stories, alongside strategic casting of top talent such as Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan to ensure broad appeal in prime-time slots. Budget management is a key operational pillar, allowing for high production values that support immersive storytelling without compromising on quality. This aligns with its exclusive partnership with Hum TV, ensuring dedicated prime-time airings and integrated promotion within the network. Complementing this is Moomal Entertainment's role in diversifying Hum TV's content with innovative formats.

Moomal Entertainment

Moomal Entertainment, established in 2014 by Moomal Shunaid, focuses on innovative and nurturing emerging talent within Pakistan's landscape. The production house prioritizes fresh narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly through collaborations with Hum TV to deliver engaging dramas and series. This approach has allowed it to carve a niche by blending creativity with market demands, contributing significantly to Hum TV's diverse programming slate. Among its notable contributions are popular anthology-style series and miniseries that explore social themes. For instance, the 2024 miniseries Nadaan, an 8-episode social drama produced in partnership with Hum TV, delves into intense personal and societal conflicts, starring and . Other key works include the romantic drama , which has achieved over 2.2 billion views as of October 2025 and highlighted youth-oriented romance and cultural nuances. These projects exemplify Moomal Entertainment's commitment to high-impact, viewer-driven content. The production house emphasizes short-form content, telefilms, and themes centered on experiences, such as relationships, , and challenges, setting it apart from more traditional formats. In 2025, projects such as Ilzam e Ishq (premiered in April) and Hijr (premiered in January, co-produced with MD Productions) continued this trend, promising continued innovation in storytelling. Moomal Entertainment's growth is evident in its expansion from initial limited outputs to a steady stream of acclaimed series, solidifying its role as a vital partner for Hum TV—complementing efforts like those of MD Productions in sustaining the channel's drama legacy.

Awards and Recognition

Hum Awards

The Hum Awards, presented annually by Limited, were established to recognize excellence in Pakistani programming, including dramas, performances, and original soundtracks (OSTs), while honoring talent across the industry. The inaugural took place on March 12, 2013, at the Expo Center in , with the event broadcast worldwide on April 28, 2013, marking the first awards of their kind dedicated to Hum TV productions and collaborators. Categories such as , , , and highlight outstanding contributions, with recipients receiving the Hum Award of Merit statuette. The awards follow a televised format featuring live performances by artists, celebrity hosts, and events, blending jury-selected honors with viewers' choice categories to engage global audiences. Over the years, the event has evolved from its origins to international venues, reflecting the of Pakistani entertainment; the third edition in 2015 was held in , followed by editions in and , culminating in the 10th ceremony on October 11, 2025, at in , , which incorporated global nominees and expanded to over 20 categories. Viewer voting integration, introduced for popular categories like Best Onscreen Couple and Global Star Award, allows public participation via official platforms, enhancing inclusivity. The 2025 edition celebrated a decade of the awards with a star-studded event in , where Ishq Murshid dominated by winning Best Drama Serial, alongside Best Actor (Male) for and Best OST for Ahmed Jahanzeb's composition. Other notable wins included Best Actress (Female) for in Zard Patton Ka Bunn and Global Star Award for , underscoring the ceremony's focus on both critical acclaim and international appeal. Earlier highlights include the 2013 ceremony, where achieved significant recognition, with winning Best Actress (Female) and sharing the Best Onscreen Couple award with , setting a benchmark for dramatic impact.

Other Industry Accolades

Hum TV productions and talent have garnered significant recognition at the , one of Pakistan's premier honors for excellence in television, film, fashion, and music. In 2012, the original soundtrack "" from the flagship drama won Best Original Soundtrack, underscoring the series' cultural resonance and musical impact. The following year, at the 12th in 2013, dominated the categories, securing wins for Best TV Drama (Satellite), Best TV Actor (Male) for , and Best TV Actress (Female) for , affirming the show's pivotal role in elevating Hum TV's profile during the early 2010s. , in particular, received multiple nominations across the decade for her performances in Hum TV series, including a nod for Best TV Actress in 2013, contributing to her status as a leading figure in Pakistani . More recently, the comedy-drama triumphed at the 18th in 2019, winning Best TV Play and highlighting Hum TV's strength in light-hearted, family-oriented programming that captured widespread audience appeal. In 2023, at the 22nd , Hum TV achieved further success with wins including Best TV Actor (Male, Viewers' Choice) for Arslan Naseer in , Best TV Actress (Female) for in , and Best Original Soundtrack for , demonstrating the network's ongoing influence in diverse genres. These accolades from the reflect Hum TV's broader impact in promoting high-quality Pakistani content, fostering talent development, and achieving commercial success through critically acclaimed series that resonate both domestically and regionally.