After more than a decade-long hiatus, Pakistan Idol is officially set to return with an exciting new panel of judges. Renowned actors and musicians Fawad Khan, Bilal Maqsood, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Zeb Bangash have been confirmed as the fresh faces on the judging panel for the upcoming reboot of the popular reality singing competition.
Originally launched in December 2013 and concluding in April 2014, the first season of Pakistan Idol marked the 50th international adaptation of the British music competition franchise. The inaugural season was a hit with Pakistani audiences, drawing widespread attention and culminating in an intensely competitive finale where over a million votes were cast. Zamad Baig emerged as the winner from that season, judged by a panel comprising Ali Azmat, Bushra Ansari, and Hadiqa Kiani.
The reboot is being spearheaded by MHL Global in collaboration with Freemantle, the global rights holder of the Idol brand. The new season aims to not only revive the spirit of the show but expand its reach like never before. According to MHL Global Director Zoya Merchant, the new iteration of Pakistan Idol will serve as a significant platform for emerging talent across the country. “Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage,” she stated in a recent interview.
To maximize its national impact, the producers plan a groundbreaking broadcast strategy — the show will air simultaneously on five different television networks. This marks the first time any version of Idol globally will be aired across multiple networks concurrently. The move is expected to help the program connect with a wider audience, including those from underrepresented linguistic and regional communities.
Auditions for the new season are already underway. Aspiring contestants can currently submit their entries online via the Begin platform. In-person auditions will follow soon, with casting calls scheduled in major cities and select remote areas to ensure a diverse pool of participants.
Production is expected to commence later this year, with more details about the show’s premiere and broadcast schedule to be announced in the coming weeks. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to a refreshed version of Pakistan Idol that not only honors its roots but evolves to showcase the vast and varied musical talent of Pakistan.
