| Ehd-e-Wafa | |
|---|---|
| File:Ehd-e-Wafa Poster.jpg Official Poster | |
| عہدِ وَفَا | |
| Genre | Comedy Drama Friendship Serial drama |
| Written by | Mustafa Afridi |
| Directed by | Saife Hassan |
| Starring | |
| Composers | Sahir Ali Bagga Rahat Fateh Ali Khan |
| Country of origin | Pakistan |
| Original language | Urdu |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 25 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Momina Duraid |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | Episode 1–24: Approx. 35–40 minutes Last Episode: 1 hour 22 min |
| Production companies | MD Productions, ISPR |
| Release | |
| Original network | Hum TV |
| Original release | 22 September 2019 – 15 March 2020 |
| External links | |
| [{{#property:P856}} Website] | |
Ehd-e-Wafa (عہدِ وفا ‘अहद-ए-वफ़ा’, transl. Covenant of Loyalty) is a Pakistani Urdu-language television drama series that premiered on Hum TV on 22 September 2019 and concluded on 15 March 2020, spanning 25 episodes.[1] Produced by Momina Duraid Productions in partnership with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR),[2][3] the series follows four friends navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood, including their enrolment in the Pakistan Military Academy, personal struggles, romantic relationships, and themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
The drama was written by Mustafa Afridi and directed by Saife Hasan. The lead cast included Osman Khalid Butt, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ahad Raza Mir, Zara Noor Abbas, and Alizeh Shah, who portrayed the protagonists as they balanced military training, family expectations, and moral dilemmas. The series received widespread acclaim, earning an 8.5/10 rating on IMDb based on over 2,900 reviews.[4]
Ehd-e-Wafa received several awards, including Best TV Serial at the 4th IPPA Awards in 2021, in recognition of its production quality and narrative impact.[5] However, it also faced criticism, including concerns over the casting of older actors as teenagers and a petition filed in the Lahore High Court alleging misrepresentation of military life. Some critics further alleged that the series served as ISPR propaganda, glorifying military service.[6]
Plot[edit | edit source]
Ehd-e-Wafa centres on four central characters (Captain Saad Faraz, Malik Shahzain Khan, Shahryar Afzal, and Shariq Habib) who form the "SSG (Special 'S' Gang)" during their time at Lawrence College in Murree. Their friendship, formed despite differing social backgrounds, becomes the narrative's foundation. Saad, son of Brigadier Faraz Inam, represents military tradition; Shahzain comes from a wealthy feudal family; Shehryar, son of a musician, pursues civil service; and Shariq, from a modest widowed household, chooses journalism.
The narrative progresses chronologically through their educational journey and subsequent career paths. Initially, their college experiences include typical youthful adventures and pranks, though their friendship faces its first major crisis when Shahzain's actions damage Saad's reputation, creating a significant rift between them.
Following their education, the characters pursue distinct professional trajectories: Saad joins the Pakistan Military Academy and advances to Captain in the SSG; Shahzain enters politics as an elected MNA; Shehryar serves as Assistant Commissioner in civil service; and Shariq establishes himself as a prominent news anchor. Their romantic relationships develop alongside these careers—Saad marries Dua, an army doctor, while Shahzain's marriage to Rani marks his personal transformation.
The series incorporates authentic military sequences filmed at the actual Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad. National events, particularly heightened tensions along the Line of Control in Kashmir, serve as backdrop for Saad's deployment and injury during a rescue mission. The narrative culminates in the reconciliation of the four friends, who reunite for patriotic endeavors, demonstrating that their brotherhood endures despite professional differences and personal sacrifices.
The 25-episode series, created by ISPR and MD Productions and directed by Saife Hassan, explores themes of loyalty, national service, and the evolution of friendships through various life stages, concluding with the friends advising students at their alma mater and reaffirming their unbreakable bond.
Cast[edit | edit source]
| Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main characters | ||
| Ahad Raza Mir | Captain Saad Faraz | Pakistan Army Officer and Dua's Husband |
| Osman Khalid Butt | Malik Shahzain Khan | MNA (Politician) |
| Ahmed Ali Akbar | Shahryar "Sherry" Afzal | AC (Assistant Commissioner) |
| Wahaj Ali | Shariq "Shark" Habib | Journalist |
| Alizeh Shah | Captain Dr. Dua Saad | Saad's love interest and later wife |
| Zara Noor Abbas | Rani Shahzain | Shahzain's love interest and later wife |
| Supporting characters | ||
| Hajra Yamin | Ramsha Jaffer | Shariq's colleague and love interest |
| Momina Iqbal | Masooma | Shahryar's cousin and love interest |
| Adnan Samad Khan | Captain Gulzar | Saad's army friend |
| Syed Muhammad Ahmed | Malik Allahyar Khan | Shahzain's grandfather |
| Vaneeza Ahmed | Faryal Faraz | Saad's mother |
| Komal Meer | Rameen | Saad's sister |
| Faraz Inam Siddiqui | Faraz Inam | Saad's father and Brigadier General/Major General of Pakistan Army |
| Ali Ammar | Kashif | A new student in Army |
| Khalifa Sajeer Uddin | Firdous Baig | Warden of Lawrence College Hostel |
| Mian Wassam Waheed | Shahid Ahmed | Duaa's adoptive father |
| Ejaz Ahmed Niazi | Master | Dean Lawrence College |
| Azeem Sajjad | Malik Yar Mohammad | Shahzain's father |
| Naeema Butt | Ghazala Habib | Shariq's sister |
| Naghma | Shariq's mother | |
| Anjum Habibi | Laal Khan | Shahryar's father |
| Munazzah Arif | Shahzain's mother | |
| Aadi Khan | Malik Shahzaib | Shahzain's brother |
| Humayun Saeed | Humayun | Saad's Senior Major/Lieutenant Colonel (Special Appearance) |
| Afraz Rasool | Ameesh Goswami | Indian TV anchor (Special Appearance) |
Production and Background[edit | edit source]
Ehd-e-Wafa, a highly anticipated drama serial, was jointly produced by Hum TV’s senior producer Momina Duraid and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The project was helmed by director Saife Hassan, known for his critically acclaimed works like Belapur Ki Dayan and Sammi.[7][8] The screenplay was penned by Mustafa Afridi, who previously scripted the period drama Aangan.[9] To ensure authenticity, Afridi conducted a month-long research stint at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Abbottabad.[10] This marked their fourth collaboration, following their successful partnership in the mega-hit Sang-e-Mar Mar (2016–17).[11]
Casting[edit | edit source]
The cast was finalised through a mutual decision between producer Momina Duraid and ISPR Director-General Asif Ghafoor. The male leads included Ahad Raza Mir, Osman Khalid Butt, Ahmed Ali Akbar, and Wahaj Ali. Zara Noor Abbas was cast as Rani, while Alizeh Shah, fresh off her success in Baandi, Daldal, and Jo Tu Chahey, took on the role of Duaa.[12] Vaneeza Ahmed (a former model) and PTV veteran Faraz Inam Siddiqui were roped in to play Saad’s parents.[13] Notably, Siddiqui had earlier appeared in Alpha Bravo Charlie (1980s), a series often (incorrectly) linked to Ehd-e-Wafa as a supposed inspiration—though Afridi has dismissed this claim.[14][15] Hajra Yamin and Momina Iqbal were cast as parallel female leads Ramsha and Masooma, respectively. Adnan Samad Khan made his TV debut with a comic role as Gulzar, while Syed Mohammad Ahmed (known for Cake) played Malik Allahyar.[16][17] Anjum Habibi was cast as Shehryar’s father. The final episode featured a special appearance by Humayun Saeed.[18]
Filming & Locations[edit | edit source]
The serial was shot across 16 cities,[19] with key sequences filmed at:
- Lawrence College, Ghora Gali (Murree) – College scenes.[20]
- Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Abbottabad – Academy sequences.
Other filming locations included Lahore, Chakwal, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Gujrat, and Bahawalpur.[21] The extensive shoot lasted over nine months, ensuring high production value.
Soundtracks[edit | edit source]
| Ehd-e-Wafa | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Length | 9:32 |
| Label | MD Productions ISPR media productions |
| Producer | Momina Duraid ISPR |
All lyrics are written by Imran Raza.[22].
| No. | Title | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Yaarian" | Sahir Ali Bagga | Ali Zafar, Sahir Ali Bagga, Asim Azhar, Aima Baig | 4:32 |
| 2. | "Ehd E Wafa" | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | 5:00 |
| Total length: | 9:32 | |||
Reception[edit | edit source]
Television rating (TRPs)[edit | edit source]
| Ep# | airing date | TRP | ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 September 2019 | 11.0 | [23] |
| 2 | 29 September 2019 | 14.7 | [24] |
| 3 | 6 October 2019 | 11.6 | [25] |
| 5 | 20 October 2019 | 11.6 | [26] |
| 7 | 3 November 2019 | 11.1 | [27] |
| 8 | 10 November 2019 | 9.6 | [28] |
| 10 | 24 November 2019 | 10.1 | [29] |
| 13 | 15 December 2019 | 9.0 | [30] |
| 15 | 29 December 2019 | 10.7 | [31][non-primary source needed] |
| 16 | 5 January 2020 | 10.3 | [32][non-primary source needed] |
| 17 | 13 January 2020 | 8.8 | [33][non-primary source needed] |
| 18 | 19 January 2020 | 11.6 | [34][non-primary source needed] |
| 20 | 2 February 2020 | 12.1 | [35][non-primary source needed] |
Critical reception[edit | edit source]
Reviewing of initial episodes for Youlin Magazine, the reviewer praised the chemistry of the stars and execution of the serial stating, "Each character's individual personality comes across as fully developed from the first episode. Their hilarious first scene lets their chemistry shine through, and propels the audience into the world of the Special Services Group (SSG), one of the most otherwise secretive sections of the Army". The reviewer also praised the performance of Zara Noor Abbas and said that she gives the audience an exciting introduction, with her loud, clever, and bubbly disposition.[36]
While reviewing the first two episodes, Sheeba Khan of The Express Tribune rated the series 4/5. The reviewer praised the performances of the male protagonists, Afridi's "light-hearted comic" script. She further criticised the casting of Butt and Akbar as late teens, acting of Abbas and Shah with labelling the former's acting as "Irritating" and "annoying".[37]
Muhammad Ali of Daily Times praised the Afridi's script especially the characters' development and their journey and Hassan's direction.[38]
While reviewing the series finale, Buraq Shabbir wrote for The News International, "Ehd e Wafa stood out for tackling an unusual genre, with male protagonists, their struggle and friendship being the highlight of the drama." She further praised the women portrayal in the series due to the impactful characters.[39]
Wahaj Ali and Adnan Samad Khan received major praise from the critics due to their respective roles of Shariq and Gulzar, turned out a breakthrough project for them.[40][41][42]
Controversy[edit | edit source]
A petition was filed in the Lahore High Court against Ehd-e-Wafa, alleging that it presented an unfavourable image of politicians and media professionals.[43] Justice Shahid Waheed, however, dismissed the petition as inadmissible and advised the petitioners to first approach PEMRA before seeking judicial intervention.[44]
In March 2025, digital content creator Adeel Afzal released a video critique of the series, arguing that its narrative was biased—particularly in the portrayals of media and political figures by Wahaj Ali and Osman Khalid Butt. The video was subsequently removed from social media platforms.[45]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ ,http://archive.today/2026.06.12-074752/https://www.thetvdb.com/series/377118-ehd-e-wafa/seasons/official/1
- ↑ Tribune.com.pk (31 August 2019). "OKB, Ahad Raza Mir shine in teaser of upcoming military drama 'Ehd-e-Wafa'". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ↑ "OKB and Ahad Raza Mir are college buddies in Hum TV's Ehd-e-Wafa". DAWN. 31 August 2019. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ↑ http://archive.today/2026.06.12-075819/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11101358/
- ↑ http://archive.today/2026.06.12-080153/https://showbizhut.com/ippa-awards-2021-winners-full-list/
- ↑ http://archive.today/2026.06.12-080601/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/616649-lhc-dismisses-plea-to-ban-tv-drama
- ↑ "Saif-e-Hassan's first directorial work in horror genre set to release tomorrow on HUM Tv – Daily Times". Daily Times. 14 February 2018. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Sammi will highlight issues like honour killings, says producer Momina Duraid". Dawn Images. 19 January 2017. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "The story of 'Aangan' is both universal and ageless: Mustafa Afridi". Daily Times. 27 September 2018. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Mustafa Afridi – The Man With The Golden Pen". Hum TV (Interview). Interviewed by Omair Alavi. 18 September 2019. Archived from the original on 19 May 2020.
- ↑ Haider, Sadaf (10 March 2017). "TV drama Sang-e-Marmar is a necessary critique of Pakistan's obsession with 'ghairat'". Images. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
- ↑ "The rise and reign of Alizeh Shah". Daily Times. 10 November 2020. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Vaneeza Ahmed is playing Ahad Raza Mir's mother in Ehd-e-Wafa". Dawn Images. 19 September 2019. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ Haider, Sadaf (20 March 2020). "Ehd-e-Wafa was no Alpha Bravo Charlie but it didn't have to be". Dawn Images. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "'Ehd e Wafa' is not a sequel to 'Alpha Bravo Charlie'". Gulf News. 9 September 2019. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ Zehra, Syeda (7 April 2020). "In conversation with Adnan Samad Khan aka Gulzar from Ehd-e-Wafa". Something Haute. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ Zehra, Syeda (29 December 2019). "Headliners: 5 breakthrough performances of the year". somethinghaute.com. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Last episode of Ehd-e-Wafa: Humayun Saeed to make special appearance". The News International. 27 February 2020. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Did you know 'Ehd-e-Wafa' was shot in 16 cities?". TheCurrent.PK. 17 March 2020. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa: Some hidden facts about drama you probably don't know". Geo News. 31 December 2019. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ Administrator (6 November 2019). "Bad News for Ehd-e-Wafa Fans!". HIP. HipInPakistan. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ Omair Alavi (14 February 2020). "A slew of iconic television soundtracks, ranked". The News. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
- ↑ "Highest Ever First Episode Ratings!". 23 September 2019 – via instagram.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 2 TRPs!". 30 September 2019 – via instagram.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 3 ratings". instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 5 ratings". instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 7 ratings". instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 8 ratings". instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 10 ratings". instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd-e-Wafa – Episode 13 ratings". instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
- ↑ "Topping The Charts!". Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2021 – via Facebook.
- ↑ "The Ascent Continues!". Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2021 – via Facebook.
- ↑ "Toping The Charts!". Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2021 – via Facebook.
- ↑ "The Ascent Continues!". Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2021 – via Facebook.
- ↑ "The Ascent Continues!". favebook. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ↑ "Drama Review: Ehd-e-Wafa, and the Return to Nostalgic Friendships". Youlin Magazine. 10 October 2019. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ Sheeba Khan (30 September 2019). "Ehd-e-Wafa: The newest drama on the block". The Express Tribune. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ "'Ehd-e-Wafa' — a treat for youngsters after a long time". Daily Times Pakistan. 27 September 2019. Archived from the original on 2 October 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ "Ehd e Wafa concludes; shines light on bond of friendship". The News International. 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ Syeda Zehra (29 December 2019). "5 breakthrough performances of the year". Something Haute. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ Ahmed, Aisha (26 September 2019). "Wahaj Ali shines bright in 'Ehd-e-Wafa' with an outstanding performance". Daily Times. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ "Wahaj Ali wins hearts in Ehd-e-Wafa". The Nation. 11 January 2020. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ "Petition filed against drama serial for negative portrayal". MAG THE WEEKLY. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ بلال, رانا (19 February 2020). "آئی ایس پی آر کے ڈرامے 'عہد وفا' پر پابندی کی درخواست مسترد". Dawn News. Archived from the original on 18 May 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
- ↑ "Adeel Afzal's Ehd-e-Wafa critique video removed from social media". Pak Observer. Lahore. 11 March 2025. Archived from the original on 10 April 2025.