Zainab Qayyum, popularly known as ZQ, is a veteran Pakistani actress, model, television host and composer who has enjoyed a long and successful career in Pakistan's entertainment industry. She first gained recognition as a model before moving into television hosting and acting. Over the years, she has become particularly known for portraying strong, mature, comic and antagonist characters in Pakistani dramas.
Zainab Qayyum was born in 1975 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Her family has roots in Kohat. She completed her O-Levels in Karachi and later moved to Lahore, where she studied at Kinnaird College for Women University and earned a Master's degree in English Literature. Before entering the entertainment industry full-time, she worked as a teacher and later as an assistant editor at Libas magazine.
Her modelling career began in the early 1990s and eventually made her one of the recognizable faces of Pakistani fashion. She was crowned Best Model of the Year at the Lux Style Awards in 2004 and later received the Most Stylish TV Actress Award at the Indus Style Awards in 2006.
Zainab later transitioned from modelling and television hosting to acting. She has since appeared in numerous Pakistani dramas, films, telefilms and music videos, establishing herself as a versatile character actress.
Zainab Qayyum Biography
| Full Name | Zainab Qayyum |
| Also Known As | ZQ |
| Born | 1975 |
| Birthplace | Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Television Host and Composer |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Education | Master's Degree in English Literature, Kinnaird College for Women University |
| Years Active | 1990s–Present |
| Known For | Aangan, Riyasat, Sarkar Sahab, Jalebiyan, Phir Wohi Mohabbat and Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi |
Early Life and Education
Zainab Qayyum was born in Karachi in 1975 and comes from a family with roots in Kohat. She completed her O-Levels in Karachi before moving to Lahore for higher education. She studied at Kinnaird College for Women University and earned her Master's degree in English Literature.
Before becoming a full-time model and actress, Zainab worked as a teacher at Lahore Grammar School for about a year. She subsequently joined Libas magazine as an assistant editor, where she worked while completing her Master's studies.
Modelling Career
Zainab Qayyum entered the modelling world in the early 1990s. Her first modelling experience reportedly came when model Vaneeza Ahmad invited her to help backstage at a fashion show. When a model was needed for the runway, Zainab was encouraged to step onto the ramp, beginning a career that would eventually make her one of Pakistan's prominent fashion models.
During her modelling career, Zainab worked with leading designers and appeared in fashion campaigns, runway shows and television commercials. Her distinctive appearance and confident runway presence helped her become a recognizable name in Pakistan's fashion industry.
Her modelling career reached a major milestone when she won the Best Model of the Year award at the Lux Style Awards in 2004. She later received the Most Stylish TV Actress Award at the Indus Style Awards in 2006.
Television Hosting Career
After establishing herself in modelling, Zainab Qayyum expanded her career into television hosting. She hosted television programmes and morning shows and became known for her confident presentation style.
She also hosted Maachis, a Hum TV talk show that focused on real-life family issues. Her work as a host helped her develop her communication skills and gave her an opportunity to interact with celebrities and ordinary people on television.
In recent years, Zainab has spoken about her transition away from modelling and toward acting. In a 2026 interview, she recalled eventually becoming tired of the repetitive nature of modelling and hosting and finding greater satisfaction in acting and mature character roles.
Acting Career
Zainab Qayyum gradually moved from modelling and television hosting into acting. Her television career includes numerous dramas in which she has portrayed strong, independent, comic and antagonistic characters.
Some of her notable early television projects include Riyasat, Sarkar Sahab and Yeh Zindagi Hai. She subsequently appeared in dramas such as Jalebiyan, Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi, Lagaao and Phir Wohi Mohabbat.
Her acting career continued with appearances in popular productions including Khalish, Mohabbat Chordi Maine, Kala Doriya, Intiqam, Ehraam-e-Junoon, Burns Road Kay Romeo & Juliet and other television projects. More recently, she has continued taking on mature character roles.
Zainab Qayyum in Aangan
Zainab Qayyum played Aneela in the Pakistani family drama Aangan. The drama was written by Faiza Iftikhar and directed by Qasim Ali Mureed. It revolves around a large joint family and combines family relationships, humour, conflict and emotional situations.
Her character Aneela is part of the drama's large ensemble cast. Zainab appeared alongside established performers including Hassan Ahmed, Iffat Rahim, Yasra Rizvi, Noor Ul Hassan, Waseem Abbas, Mansha Pasha, Qavi Khan, Samina Ahmad and Isra Ghazal. IMDb specifically lists Zainab Qayyum as Aneela in the cast.
ARY Digital's official information about Aangan also includes Zainab Qayyum among the drama's principal cast under the name Zee Q. The network describes the serial as the story of a family that lives, eats and faces its problems together.
Popular Dramas of Zainab Qayyum
- Riyasat
- Sarkar Sahab
- Yeh Zindagi Hai
- Jalebiyan
- Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi
- Lagaao
- Aangan – Aneela
- Phir Wohi Mohabbat
- Khalish
- Mohabbat Chordi Maine
- Kala Doriya
- Intiqam
- Ehraam-e-Junoon
- Burns Road Kay Romeo & Juliet
- Khushboo Mein Basay Khat
- Dayan
- Sanwal Yaar Piya
Film Career
Zainab Qayyum has also appeared in Pakistani films. She made her film debut with a cameo in the action-drama Sultanat in 2014. She subsequently appeared as a lawyer in the popular comedy film Jawani Phir Nahi Aani in 2015.
Although television became the most important part of her acting career, her film appearances added another dimension to her work in Pakistani entertainment.
Music and Other Work
Zainab Qayyum has also appeared in music videos and has been associated with music-related projects. Her appearances include Abrar-ul-Haq's popular song Asaan Jana Malo Maal, as well as other music videos featuring Pakistani artists.
Her career across modelling, television hosting, acting and music demonstrates the range of her involvement in Pakistan's entertainment industry.
Awards and Recognition
Zainab Qayyum has received important recognition in both modelling and acting. Her major awards and honours include:
- Best Model of the Year – Lux Style Awards, 2004
- Most Stylish TV Actress – Indus Style Awards, 2006
Her 2004 Lux Style Award marked one of the major achievements of her modelling career, while the 2006 Indus Style Award reflected her growing presence as a television actress.
Acting Style
Zainab Qayyum is known for her strong screen presence and ability to portray mature and distinctive characters. While she initially became famous as a model, her acting career has allowed her to move beyond conventional glamour roles and take on more challenging character parts.
She has frequently appeared in comic and antagonist roles, but her performances also include emotionally complex and mature characters. In a 2026 interview, she explained that she feels more comfortable playing mature characters as her acting career has developed.
Her experience as a model and television host has also contributed to her confidence in front of the camera, while her acting career has allowed her to demonstrate greater emotional range.
Personal Life
Zainab Qayyum generally keeps details of her private family life away from the public spotlight. She has spoken publicly about different stages of her professional and personal journey, but relatively limited verified information about her immediate family is publicly available.
Her focus in recent years has remained largely on her acting career and personal development. She has also spoken about her spiritual journey and personal experiences in interviews and podcasts.
Social Media
Zainab Qayyum maintains a public presence on social media and continues to appear in interviews and entertainment programs. Her public appearances provide updates about her acting projects, personal interests and professional journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zainab Qayyum
Who is Zainab Qayyum?
Zainab Qayyum, also known as ZQ, is a Pakistani actress, former model, television host and composer known for her work in Pakistani dramas and television programes.
What role did Zainab Qayyum play in Aangan?
Zainab Qayyum played the character Aneela in the Pakistani family drama Aangan.
When was Zainab Qayyum born?
Zainab Qayyum was born in 1975 in Karachi, Pakistan. Reliable biographical sources establish the year and birthplace but do not consistently provide a verified exact birth date.
Where did Zainab Qayyum study?
Zainab Qayyum studied at Kinnaird College for Women University in Lahore, where she earned a Master's degree in English Literature.
When did Zainab Qayyum start modelling?
Zainab Qayyum began her modelling journey in the early 1990s and went on to become one of Pakistan's recognized fashion models.
What awards has Zainab Qayyum won?
She won the Best Model of the Year award at the Lux Style Awards in 2004 and the Most Stylish TV Actress Award at the Indus Style Awards in 2006.
Has Zainab Qayyum worked in films?
Yes. She appeared in films including Sultanat and Jawani Phir Nahi Aani.
What are Zainab Qayyum's famous dramas?
Her notable dramas include Riyasat, Sarkar Sahab, Yeh Zindagi Hai, Jalebiyan, Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi, Aangan, Phir Wohi Mohabbat, Khalish and Kala Doriya.
Conclusion
Zainab Qayyum has built an impressive career spanning modelling, television hosting, acting and other areas of entertainment. From becoming an award-winning model to establishing herself as a respected character actress, she has successfully evolved with Pakistan's entertainment industry.
Her role as Aneela in Aangan remains one of her notable television appearances, placing her among the drama's memorable ensemble cast. With her distinctive screen presence, experience and ability to take on mature and challenging characters, Zainab Qayyum continues to be a recognizable name in Pakistani television.