Pakistan Idol Prepares for Multiplatform Return

After a decade-long hiatus, Fremantle’s Idols is returning to Pakistan, courtesy of a new adaptation by MHL Global.

“Pakistan is a country with incredible talent and diverse passions, yet much of our mainstream entertainment revolves around just a few genres, like food and drama,” Zoya Merchant, director of MHL Global, tells TV Formats Weekly on why the company wanted to resurrect the beloved singing competition in the country. “We believe there’s so much more potential to explore. If you look at our neighbor India, their music industry has flourished in part because of platforms like Indian Idol—winners there have gone on to become household names and major recording artists. By bringing back Pakistan Idol, we want to open up similar avenues here, giving musicians, singers and performers the visibility, mentorship and opportunity they deserve. It’s about diversifying our entertainment landscape, introducing global-standard formats and helping Pakistan’s talent shine on both a national and international stage.”

To ensure a broad reach, Pakistan Idol will air concurrently on several major television networks. “This is the first time in Pakistan that a show of this scale is being broadcast simultaneously across seven major networks, alongside OTT streaming,” Merchant says. “The goal was simple—to take over households across the country and make Pakistan Idol a shared, must-watch weekend experience. By uniting these networks, we’re ensuring the show reaches every corner of Pakistan, cutting across demographics and regions. And with the addition of OTT, fans can watch anytime, anywhere, making it a complete Idol experience. Whether you’re sitting with family in the living room or catching up on your phone, Pakistan Idol is designed to be the entertainment highlight of your weekend nights.”

Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Bilal Maqsood have been set as judges for the adaptation, a lineup that “represents the breadth and depth of Pakistan’s music and entertainment industry,” Merchant says. “Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is a living legend whose mastery of classical and contemporary music is unmatched, bringing gravitas and deep musical insight to the panel. Fawad Khan is not only a celebrated actor and musician, but also someone who understands stage presence, performance and what it takes to become a star. Bilal Maqsood brings decades of experience as a songwriter, producer and one-half of one of the most iconic pop bands in our history. Zeb Bangash offers a unique perspective with her versatility across genres—from Coke Studio classics to film soundtracks—making her a great mentor for fresh voices. Together, they bring credibility, diversity and the ability to mentor contestants in every aspect of becoming a true star.”

MHL Global has devised an extensive marketing plan to reintroduce Pakistani audiences to the Idols format, Merchant explains. “We’ve built a multi-phase campaign designed to create excitement from the ground up—starting with bold, high-impact promos that showcase our star-studded judges, the scale of the production and the life-changing opportunities the show offers. We’re everywhere our viewers are—TV, radio, billboards, social media and digital platforms—making sure Idol is impossible to miss. A key part of this is our online audition platform on Begin, an OTT platform, which doesn’t just make auditions accessible to talent nationwide—it also builds a vibrant community where fans and contestants interact, share performances and support each other’s journeys. The goal is to position Pakistan Idol not just as a show, but as the entertainment event of the year.”

While Pakistan Idol is MHL’s priority currently, Merchant says that there are opportunities to adapt other global formats in the future. “The key for us will be selecting concepts that resonate culturally, showcase local talent and bring something fresh to our entertainment landscape,” Merchant says. “So, while nothing is on the immediate slate, the future holds exciting possibilities.”