Shazma Haleem’s Three-Decade Acting Journey Earns National Recognition

PESHAWAR: Veteran Pakistani actress Shazma Haleem, one of the most recognisable and respected faces of Pashto television, has once again come into the spotlight with national recognition for her outstanding contribution to the performing arts.

Haleem’s career spans more than three decades and includes a remarkable body of work in Pashto and Urdu television dramas, radio, theatre and television hosting. She has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since the early days of regional television.

She began her artistic journey at a young age through Radio Pakistan Peshawar, while she was still a student. Her talent quickly gained attention, and she later became the first Pashto newsreader, marking an important milestone in the history of Pashto broadcasting.

Her transition to television came in the late 1980s when she appeared in the Pashto drama “Dangay Sooky” produced at PTV Peshawar. From there, Haleem went on to establish herself as one of the leading actresses of Pashto television.

According to published profiles, she has performed in more than 100 television and radio dramas, portraying a wide range of characters. Her performances, particularly in emotionally demanding and tragic roles, earned her a strong following among viewers.

Haleem has also received significant recognition from Pakistan Television, including six Best Actress awards from the PTV Peshawar Centre. In 2019, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contribution to the entertainment industry.

Her artistic journey has not been limited to acting. She has hosted television programmes, appeared in different formats and represented Pakistan in cultural activities abroad, including engagements in China, Afghanistan and the Gulf region.

What makes Haleem’s career particularly significant is the period in which she entered the industry. At a time when relatively few women from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were pursuing careers in television and performing arts, she continued working despite social and professional challenges.

Her success has also made her an advocate for young female artists. Haleem has repeatedly emphasised the importance of family support and opportunities for women who want to pursue careers in the arts.

The veteran actress is now regarded as one of the senior figures of Pakistan’s regional television industry, with her career closely associated with the growth and evolution of Pashto drama.

Her latest national recognition adds another important chapter to a career built on perseverance, talent and decades of service to Pakistan’s performing arts.

For the Pashto entertainment community, Shazma Haleem’s journey represents more than the success of an individual actress — it reflects the contribution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s artists to Pakistan’s wider cultural and television landscape.