Hindi serials in the 90s used to explore a lot of these kinds of topics and were very well received. Shows like Saans and Sailaab. Even Hasratein showed a woman leaving her husband for another man etc.
I think at that point in time the people who had TV were more likely urban and educated. So the programs were catered to a more intellectual audience that enjoyed nuanced characters and deeper explorations of the human condition.
But somewhere along the way in hindi serials started catering towards the masses particularly in rural areas. The Ekta revolution targeted middle aged female housewives which is a larger potential demographic. They are more likely to have the time to watch TV. So most of the storylines we see on hindi TV are reflective of their tastes. Ie the endless saas-bahu sagas currently being the TRP toppers.
In that context, independent minded female characters that aren't perfectly self sacrficing are rarely well received. Stories may start out with interesting themes but time and time again when the ratings aren't as high the channels switch to themes that target the TRP aunties.
I think the difference is Pakistani TV still caters to a more urban/intellectual audience. But hopefully change is coming to Indian serials too.
Kundali Bhagya
Debate Mansion
