ISLAMABAD: Pakistani singer and actor Fawad Khan will be part of a panel of prominent judges who will feature in “Pakistan Idol,” which is set to make a comeback after a decade-long hiatus, a report in the international website Variety said this week. 

Pakistan Idol was a reality singing television competition show that followed the “Idol” franchise created by British entrepreneur Simon Fuller. The show ran from December 2013 to April 2014 and featured pop stars Ali Azmat, Hadiqa Kiani and prominent actress Bushra Ansari as judges. 

The show ran on Geo Entertainment and featured just one season. Production company MHL Global has secured the rights for Pakistan Idol from format distributor Fremantle to revive the singing competition series, Variety reported on Saturday. 

“The show will feature a star-studded judging panel including actor Fawad Khan, singer Zeb Bangash, qawwali artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Strings musician Bilal Maqsood,” Variety said. “The revival marks a significant return for the franchise, which last aired in 2014.”

The report said MHL Global has planned an ambitious distribution strategy for the show’s reboot, with it set to air simultaneously across five television networks, a first for any “Idol” franchise globally.

“According to the company, this multi-platform approach aims to reach diverse audiences across Pakistan’s various regions and languages,” it added. 

Zoya Merchant, director of MHL Global, said the launch represented “a cultural movement.”

“Pakistan has incredible musical talent, and this platform will not only spotlight it nationwide but elevate it to the global stage,” she said. 

Variety said the production will incorporate modern digital engagement alongside traditional television broadcasting, adding that online auditions are launching through the Begin platform, while in-person casting calls are planned for major cities and remote regions.

“Production is expected to begin later this year, with broadcast details and premiere dates to be announced,” the report disclosed. 

Khan enjoys heartthrob status in both Pakistan and India. After making a name for himself in hit Pakistani TV drama serials and movies such as Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, The Legend of Maula Jutt and Khuda Kay Liye, he went on to star in Bollywood films Kapoor and Sons, Khoobsurat and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. 

Before his acting career took off, Khan was a member of the Lahore-based rock band Entity Paradigm. He also sang the Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem for the 2019 edition of the cricket league.