Our attention span has gone to tatters and so has the quality of the content we consume.

Consumers on digital platforms are clicking on funny, snarky and low-quality content on a daily basis. When an interviewer makes low IQ comebacks reel ‘views’ quadruple in mere seconds. In the rat race to go viral, interviews and the formats have also gone in shambles.

But that was not always the case. Does anyone else remember the interviews by Sonia Rehman for The First Blast? Every interview for the Dawn TV morning show was researched and the whole interview remained cordial.

When talking about researched content, I cannot forget the show “News, Views, and Confused by Fasi Zaka.” It wasn’t very polite, yet the research and script were out of this world.Remember the show went offline mid-transmission? Hilarious times!

Interview styles have changed drastically, now dominated by relentless bickering and chaos. For a millennial, it’s jarring—especially when you think back to Ishrat Saqib, Pakistan’s iconic newsreader, who delivered with such calm and composure. Yet, amidst the noise, I’ve managed to find some exceptional interviewers. Here are a few of my favorites across digital and mainstream platforms.

10 Interviewers to Look Out for in 2025

1. Ushna Shah

The other day, I came across tinterview conducted by Ushna Shah. She is undoubtedly one of the most cordial and put-together actresses and carries herself with utmost grace even when something ticks her off (remember her wedding fiasco). After Hours with Ushna Shah airs on 365 News. The guests on her show are all her colleagues. So far, she has invited Yasra Rizvi, Saleem Mairaj, Adeel Husain, Gohar Rasheed, Saba Hameed, and Areeba Habib.

You will find a mix of gup shup, discussions, heart-to-heart, and discussing taboo topics.

2. Rabia Mughni

Fuchsia, a digital magazine moves to video interviews with Rabia Mughni at the helm. She manages to ask daring questions without a hint of chaat masala. By complimenting her guest she puts them at ease. The interviews feature celebrities and sports figures. Rabia Mughni’s articulate charm shines in every interview.

3. Imran Ashraf

The popular show Mazaq Raat on Dunya News, once hosted by veteran actors Nauman Ijaz and Vasay Chaudhary, is now led by the talented Imran Ashraf. Blending socio-economic topics with a touch of comedy, the show continues to captivate audiences. Recently, Ashraf was honored with the Most Captivating Host of the Year award for his work on Mazaq Raat.

4. Tabish Hashmi

If you’re looking for a show that’s reliably spicy and consistently entertaining, Hasna Mana Hai on Geo TV has got you covered. The format is simple: a lighthearted chat… until, of course, a totally unexpected (but not-so-surprising) curveball of a question is thrown in. The guests? They’re all in for the ride, serving up random, hilarious comebacks while getting caught in Tabish Hashmi’s signature humor.

5. Ahsan Khan

Time out with Ahsan Khan offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where Ahsan engages with guests like Zoe Viccaji, Junaid Ikram, Nadia Afghan, and Anoushey Ashraf. What makes the show stand out is Ahsan’s approach—he’s not after scandal, but rather genuine, light-hearted conversations. Add in some fun games, and you’ve got the perfect mix of candid moments, playful banter, and entertainment, all without the drama.

6. Fareeha Altaf

PR maven and host Fareeha Altaf brings something fresh to the podcast scene with FWhy Podcast. While the format may not be groundbreaking, the magic lies in the incredible lineup of guests she hosts. Alongside the usual celebrities, you’ll hear from a diverse mix of social activists, artists, and bloggers, including the likes of Mukhtar Mai, Mathira, Zulfikar Bhutto, MystaPaki, Ayesha Chundrigar, and Amin Gulgee.

7. Mubariz Siddiqui

Finally, a show for the curious minds who are all about growth and self-development! Mubariz Siddiqui takes listeners on a journey into the world of finance and entrepreneurship. What sets this show apart is the well-researched guest lineup and thoughtful questions that Mubariz asks during each interview. Every episode packs a punch, offering a wealth of new knowledge and insights that will leave you with plenty to think about

8. Adnan Faisal

FHM Pakistan’s Adnan Faisal Podcast, hosted by the team behind FHM magazine, is not one to overlook. Adnan has interviewed guests like Bilawal Bhutto, Hamid Ismail, Kamran Khan, Reham Khan, and DIG Sindh Police Azfar Mahesar.

While politics features heavily, the podcast also includes a wide range of guests like Maria Wasti, Hassan Jahangir, Amna Malik, and Hina Khawaja. Adnan’s interviewing style is direct, often keeping his guests on their toes with a rapid-fire line of questioning.

9. Mashion Roundtable

In the Mashion roundtable, actress of all ages come together to discuss various industry issues, uplift each other, and talk about the technicalities of their craft. The Mashion Roundtable has aired only a few episodes but all the episodes are worth a watch. This interview follows a unique format of discussion and mostly conducted by a host. So far, there has been three sessions, and each episode is conducted by a interviewer who works in same niche as guests of the episode.

10. Nida Yasir

I don’t remember how long Good Morning Pakistan (GMP) aired on TV. The clips that go viral every once in a while, are enough to give one complete idea about the caliber of the show. When GMP wasn’t enough, another show goes air with Danish Nawaz, Yasir Nawaz, and Nida Yasir inviting guests to their homes for a light chit-chat. Nadan Maizban seems like another light show with no particular format.

Parting Words

With that, the change in the format of interviews and podcasts is evolving. The interviewers do not rely on TRPs and going viral. In fact, the focus has shifted to meaningful and insightful conversations.

Kudos to the people who are keeping the work graceful and substantial!