This exploratory study investigates and analyzes the extent of code-mixing and code-switching use in various Pakistani TV commercials. The sample frame was set from the TV commercials broadcasted on widely seen channels such as PTV, ARY Digital, HUM TV, and GEO TV. It aims to trace the implications of this fascinating and fast-emerging phenomenon for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. This scrutiny has used a two-layered descriptive, sequential quantitative research design. Thirty-two commercials aired between 2000 and 2023 were selected in the first layer. The data were transcribed and evaluated to determine the frequency of code-mixing and code-switching for commercial applications. In the second layer, a questionnaire was distributed to 120 students and evaluated to ascertain the influence of code-mixing/code-switching on ESL learners. The sample population was selected from Punjab University, GC Women University Sialkot, and Government Murray College. The study results indicate various forms of code-mixing and code-switching are common in commercials. English has influenced Urdu for various reasons, including fashion, practicality, and technical progress. Commercials are devised artistically and strategically for a planned and peculiar impact on the audience. Besides enthralling them, it also affects their linguistic behaviors, choices and variation styles. In light of the participants’ feedback, to preserve the unique national identity of Pakistan, this study proposes incorporating Urdu flavors and reducing the excessive usage of English in Pakistani TV advertisements. Further research is necessary to address this important socio-cognitive issue in sociolinguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT).

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