Yakeen Ka Safar stands as one of Pakistani television’s most compelling dramas. This HUM TV production aired from April 19, 2017, to November 1, 2017, delivering 29 episodes of powerful storytelling.
Yakeen Ka Safar chronicles the journey of two protagonists, Asfand and Zubiya, who grow after facing hardships and struggles. The drama was created by MD Productions under producer Momina Duraid.
The serial is based on Farhat Ishtiaq’s novel “Woh Yakeen Ka Naya Safar” and was directed by Shahzad Kashmiri. This collaboration brought together the creative minds behind hit dramas like Humsafar, Diyar-e-Dil, and Udaari.
The drama premiered simultaneously in Pakistan, UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and UAE. It quickly became one of 2017’s highest-ranked Pakistani dramas.
Star Cast of Yakeen Ka Safar: Meet the Powerful Characters
Ahad Raza Mir as Dr. Asfandyar Ali Khan
Ahad Raza Mir’s performance was praised and the drama was appreciated by the audience because of its unique story line. His portrayal of the determined surgeon captured hearts across borders. This role became one of the most memorable performances among Dramas of Ahad Raza Mir.
Dr. Asfandyar represents dedication, compassion, and integrity. The character balances professional excellence with personal struggles, creating a multi-dimensional protagonist.
Sajal Ali as Dr. Zubia Khalil
Sajal Ali nails her transition from a “mazloom” (downtrodden) girl to a strong, independent woman. Her comeback to television after two years proved transformative.
Zubia’s character witnesses her mother’s murder by her father. This trauma shapes her journey from victim to survivor, ultimately becoming a successful doctor.
Hira Mani as Gaiti Ali Khan
Gaiti’s character breaks stereotypes in Pakistani dramas. Her healthy and loving relationship with her mother-in-law was surprising, because in most Pakistani dramas, the mother-in-law is evil.
As a widow, Gaiti continues living with her husband’s family with respect and dignity. Her nutrition degree showcases the importance of education for women.
Shaz Khan as Barrister Daniyal Ali Khan
Daniyal returns from London to practice honest law in an unjust society. His character fights for victims’ rights against powerful feudal systems.
Daniyal tries his best to fight the case, but dies at the hands of the politician. His sacrifice highlights systemic corruption and the price of seeking justice.
Yakeen Ka Safar Complete Story: Three Interconnected Journeys
The serial begins with three stories that eventually merge into one powerful narrative.
Zubia’s Story: A young girl witnesses her mother’s brutal murder by her jealous father. She escapes to build a life as a doctor, carrying deep psychological scars.
Noori’s Story: Noori is a village girl from Islamabad who gets gang-raped by a rich politician’s son, Jehangir Singh. Her quest for justice exposes society’s darkest failures.
Daniyal’s Family: A privileged Karachi family faces tragedy when Daniyal takes on Noori’s case. His murder sends shockwaves through the family and storyline.
The drama’s first half unfolds in Karachi. The second half is set in Neelum Valley, providing breathtaking cinematography alongside emotional depth.
Why Yakeen Ka Safar Became Pakistan’s Most Loved Drama?
Yaqeen Ka Safar is currently basking in the success of being Pakistan’s most popular drama. Multiple factors contributed to this unprecedented success.
Original Storytelling: For far too long, Pakistani dramas have been showing repetitive themes and storylines. Yaqeen Ka Safar, however, has changed the paradigm.
Social Commentary: The drama fearlessly addresses gang rape, domestic violence, feudal oppression, judicial corruption, and women’s education. These themes resonated deeply with audiences.
Realistic Characters: The pace with which the story moves is quite realistic, as all the characters take their own time to cope up with their grief.
Production Quality: Shot in Karachi and Neelum Valley, the cinematography by Tameen Nazami and Safdar Hussain Rind elevated the visual experience.
Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali Chemistry in Yakeen Ka Safar
The show does not make romance the focus of the story, and yet the chemistry is so apparent it would be hard for the audience to not take note.
Their relationship develops organically through hospital interactions. Unlike typical Pakistani dramas, romance doesn’t overshadow the main narrative.
Both characters are doctors dealing with personal trauma. Their professional collaboration gradually builds emotional connection and mutual respect.
Yakeen Ka Safar is a smooth romantic drama, with Sajal and Ahad at their most charming. Their real-life chemistry translated beautifully on screen. This became a career-defining project among the Dramas of Sajal Ali.
Social Issues Explored in Yakeen Ka Safar Drama
Sexual Violence and Justice System
The storyline depicts the flaws in the system, showing how those with power have control over every facet of society. They control the police and the law, and can get away with anything.
Noori’s case exposes victim-blaming culture. With everyone in the village victim-blaming her, Noori runs away from home, trying to get revenge on them.
Domestic Violence and Trauma
Zubia’s mother dies at her father’s hands due to jealousy and control. This highlights how domestic violence destroys families and damages children psychologically.
What kind of psychological impacts would a girl like Zubia suffer in the future? Post-traumatic stress disorder with extensive cognitive-behavioral therapy becomes part of her journey.
Women’s Education and Empowerment
The drama stresses on the importance and value of education, especially for girls. Zubia leaving home to become a doctor challenges traditional expectations.
It was pleasant to witness how Gaiti’s degree in nutrition was used to highlight the significance and need for nutritionists in Pakistan.
Feudal System and Corruption
The drama exposes how politicians use power to escape accountability. Rab Nawaz Shah protects his criminal son while preaching women’s rights publicly.
Yakeen Ka Safar OST and Background Music
The title song was composed by Waqar Ali, while Naseer Turabi penned the lyrics. Hadiqa Kiani performed the OST.
This marked Hadiqa’s return to HUM TV after Udaari’s success. The main OST “Yakeen Ka Safar” became instantly recognizable and emotionally powerful.
The OST “Mitti kay Parindey” was composed by Syed Suhail Haider with lyrics by Kashif Anwar. Richa Sharma performed this OST.
Both songs complemented the drama’s emotional depth. Mad Music provided the background score, enhancing pivotal scenes.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Team of Yakeen Ka Safar
Writer: Farhat Ishtiaq adapted her own novel into screenplay. She previously wrote Humsafar, Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu, and Udaari.
Director: Shahzad Kashmiri previously directed Bin Roye for the same channel. His work received mixed reviews for pacing but succeeded in blending multiple storylines.
Producer: Momina Duraid of MD Productions brought together the creative team. Her production house consistently delivers quality content.
Art Director: Mirza Zeeshan Baig handled production design, returning to HUM TV after Diyar-e-Dil and Mann Mayal.
Awards and Critical Reception of Yakeen Ka Safar
The serial received critical praise, especially for the storyline, cinematography and performances of the star cast.
The Express Tribune wrote, “Yaqeen Ka Safar is honest and original, and has changed the paradigm of Pakistani dramas”.
Yakeen Ka Safar was channel’s biggest hit of 2017 after Alif Allah Aur Insaan. It dominated ratings throughout its run.
Critics praised the drama’s courage in addressing taboo subjects. The performances, particularly Sajal Ali and Ahad Raza Mir, received widespread acclaim.
Where to Watch Yakeen Ka Safar Drama Online?
Yakeen Ka Safar was released on Hum TV’s YouTube channel alongside its airing, but later the channel deleted all episodes.
It was released on iflix as part of the channel’s contract. When the contract was terminated in 2019, all episodes were removed.
The drama rebroadcast on HUM TV Pakistan in October 2018. In 2019, it aired on the national channel PTV Home starting in August, airing two episodes every week.
Currently, availability varies by region. Check HUM TV’s official platforms and Pakistani drama streaming services for access.
Yakeen Ka Safar vs Other Pakistani Dramas: What Makes It Unique
Yaqeen Ka Safar reminds viewers of an earlier era, of Dhoop Kinare from 1987, when Pakistani dramas offered much more depth.
Unlike typical dramas focused on marital disputes, Yakeen Ka Safar prioritizes character development and social issues. The romance enhances rather than dominates the narrative.
These issues are very much real including Politics and Corruption, Value of education, Village life & Wadera system, Friendship and Respect, Family values and traumas, Moral and ethical values in professional life.
The drama’s courage in showing Noori’s revenge and Daniyal’s murder sets it apart. Most Pakistani dramas avoid such bold storytelling choices.
Life Lessons and Themes from Yakeen Ka Safar
Resilience Through Trauma: The drama conveys the simple message “Life is neither perfect nor easy, but life is good”.
Importance of Education: Both female protagonists use education as empowerment tools. Zubia and Gaiti both pursue professional careers despite obstacles.
Standing Against Injustice: Daniyal sacrifices his life fighting corruption. Noori refuses to stay silent despite societal pressure.
Healing Takes Time: The story teaches patience and hope. It teaches how to keep moving when your world is collapsed by your own people.
Family Support Matters: The Ali Khan family demonstrates healthy relationships. They support each other through grief and tragedy.
Fan Reviews: What Viewers Say About Yakeen Ka Safar?
Viewers finished the whole drama in one day, binged it like 7 times, and it still feels like watching a new series.
If you are someone who likes well-developed script, well-developed characters, realistic acting delivered with social message, this Drama is for you.
Many viewers appreciated the realistic portrayal of trauma recovery. The show’s refusal to romanticize suffering resonated with audiences.
Some critics noted pacing issues in direction. However, the strong writing and performances overshadowed technical weaknesses.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Yakeen Ka Safar in 2025?
Yakeen Ka Safar remains relevant years after its release. The social issues it addresses continue affecting Pakistani society today.
Watch if you enjoy: Character-driven narratives, social commentary, realistic performances, slow-burn romance, powerful storytelling about trauma and healing.
Skip if you prefer: Light entertainment, fast-paced plots, purely romantic storylines, or avoid heavy emotional content.
The drama deserves its reputation as a game-changer for Pakistani television. Yaqeen Ka Safar is honest and original, and has changed the paradigm of Pakistani dramas.
With outstanding performances from Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali, meaningful social commentary, and beautiful cinematography, Yakeen Ka Safar earns its place among Pakistan’s finest dramas.
Rating: 9/10 – A must-watch for fans of quality Pakistani drama.
FAQs About Yakeen Ka Safar
How many episodes are in Yakeen Ka Safar drama?
Yakeen Ka Safar aired from April 19, 2017, to November 1, 2017, with a total of 29 episodes. Each episode aired weekly on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM on HUM TV.
Is Yakeen Ka Safar based on a novel?
Yes, the serial is based on Farhat Ishtiaq’s novel “Woh Yakeen Ka Naya Safar”. Farhat Ishtiaq also wrote the screenplay, adapting her own work for television. The drama version is considered superior to the original novel.
Did Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali marry after Yakeen Ka Safar?
After completing her Bollywood debut Mom, Sajal portrayed Dr. Zubiya. Their on-screen chemistry in Yakeen Ka Safar led to real-life romance. The couple later married in 2020, though they separated in 2023.
What social issues does Yakeen Ka Safar address?
The drama addresses Politics and Corruption, Value of education, Village life & Wadera system in villages, Friendship and Respect, Family values and traumas, and Moral and ethical values in professional life. It also tackles gang rape, domestic violence, and judicial corruption.
Where was Yakeen Ka Safar filmed?
The first half of the show was set in Karachi and later in Neelum Valley. The Neelum Valley scenes provided stunning natural backdrops that enhanced the drama’s visual appeal and emotional resonance.
