‘Pakistan Idol’ returns after 11 Years: Fawad Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Zeb Bangash, Bilal Maqsood turn judges

Dubai: After more than a decade away, Pakistan Idol is making a dramatic return — and this time, the producers are promising a bigger stage, broader reach, and a judging panel that reads like a who’s who of Pakistani entertainment.

According to Variety, production company MHL Global has secured rights from Fremantle to revive the format, bringing together actor Fawad Khan, vocalist Zeb Bangash, qawwali maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and musician Bilal Maqsood of Strings fame as the new panel of judges.

First aired on Geo TV in December 2013, Pakistan Idol quickly became more than just a talent show — it was a cultural moment.

Thousands auditioned, millions tuned in, and by the time Lahore singer Zamad Baig was crowned winner in April 2014, the finale had set a record with over a million votes cast. That original season featured a powerhouse jury of Junoon’s Ali Azmat, veteran actor Bushra Ansari, and pop icon Hadiqa Kiani.

The impact went beyond ratings. For young artists, the stage became a launchpad.

Contestant Waqas Ali Vicky recalled in an interview with The Express Tribune, “It advertises you. You are musically groomed when you go to this show.”

Fellow finalist Rose Marie agreed: “Every artist wants a boost in their career and Pakistan Idol is a stage where all of the country can watch them and appreciate them. Something at such a big scale in Pakistan was amazing and the management was great too.”

What made the show stand out was its ability to nurture raw talent. Vicky explained: “We learned how to dress ourselves. There are people to teach you and an environment where everyone is focused on their music. Everyone has different music styles so you observe and learn to experiment from each other.”

Marie said the network of connections was equally invaluable: “I got to know a lot of people from the set, and later continued to stay in touch with them. These people gave me a lot of work. I did original soundtracks for dramas, film songs, and advertisements.”

For contestants who came from outside the industry, the platform was transformative. “Your name gets attached to this platform and people start getting to know you,” Vicky said.

“They follow you from around the world, and you stay engaged with your fans this way. In Pakistan, an opportunity like this becomes a great chance for gully boys who want to do music at an international level.”

The revived Pakistan Idol aims to tap into that legacy — but with a modern twist. MHL Global says the new edition will be broadcast simultaneously across five different television networks, the first time any Idol franchise has attempted such a wide release.

“Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage,” Zoya Merchant, director at MHL Global, told Variety.

“This launch represents more than entertainment – it’s a cultural movement.”

Online auditions are expected to open soon through the Begin platform, alongside in-person casting calls across major cities and smaller regions. Filming is set to begin later this year, with air dates to be announced.

For fans who remember the thrill of the first season, the return of Pakistan Idol promises not just nostalgia but the possibility of another breakout generation of stars.