Hasb e Haal

Concept

Hasb-e-Haal is a comedy program that offers commentary and satire on current affairs. Sohail Ahmed plays the character of a lower middle-class man who is frequently reprimanded by Junaid Saleem because of his broad generalizations and over-simplification of complex political issues. Jia offers queues for laugh lines and reads viewer's comments in the show.

Segments

There are different segments such as:

Parodies

Sohail Ahmed usually dresses up like politicians, cricketers or other celebrities and imitates them. This imitation mostly is in the form of a parody. He also plays other characters.

Feeqa

Feeqa, portrayed by Sohail Ahmed, belongs to a white-collar family which has trouble making ends meet. The character sheds light on the plight of the lower class of Pakistan. The usual topics discussed are relatives' weddings, and rituals.

PQN

PQN, short for Pervaiz Qaiser Naseer, is a corrupt politician who would do anything to come into power. The usual topics discussed are elections, and processions.

Deemah

Deemah is an ordinary man who is perpetually sick with multiple diseases.

ZVS

A fashion designer, who keeps heaping praises on his talent. He is a modern fashion designer with a gay attitude.

Witchcraft & Aalim Baba

Sohail Ahmed plays a spurious "Aalim" who, according to his rants, is the master of witches and spirits.

Master Majeed

A teacher.

Abdul Ghafoor Jimmy

A Pakistani who lives abroad and is concerned about the security situation of Pakistan.

Azizi's Investigation News

Azizi presents a parody news program which investigates secrets and misdeeds of politicians.

Mr. Michael

This character is an American agent who overuses the catchphrase "kadu saday paise" ("give back our money"). This satirical character denigrates the Pakistani society for asking for American money despite thinking of America as an enemy.

Nadamat

A die-hard supporter of a fictional politician, Changezi.

Sureelay Khan

A classical singer, often accompanied by Dabbay Khan and Hamnawa.

Policeman (SHO)

SHO parodies problems and issues affecting police forces, especially corruptions.

Petrol station attendant

Azizi takes on the disguise of a local petrol station attendant to highlight the problems with the trade.

Nomi

A student who never passes his exams.

Pakistan Cricket Team Coach (Dav Whatmore)

Azizi's fictitious friends

The following are mentioned by Azizi as his friends:

Aroo Grenade

Naeema Kainchi

Tufail Thaila

Unaid Daal Chawal

Aslam Churra

Ghauri

History

Hasb-e-Haal was launched in January 2009. Its idea basically comes from the old shows Jamhoor Di Awaaz and Nizam Din Di Baithak. Aftab Iqbal used to host the show at that time. The show was an instant hit. In April 2010, Iqbal left the show due to undisclosed reasons which led to Junaid Saleem hosting the show.

Cultural effect

Due to the popularity of the show, several similar shows emerged. These include Khabarnaak on Geo TV, Khabardaar on Express News, 3 Idiots on Aaj TV, Masti Gate on ARY News, Mazaaq Raat on Dunya News and News Night on Din News. Except Khabardar all other shows have been canceled due to lack of viewership. khabardar on express news is still most high rated show in pakistan . aftab iqbal was the only person who start hasb e haal ,khabarnaak and khabardar