Just when we were about to lose our patience (at being taken around in circles), Phaans Drama slips us a shocker. Were you expecting Zeba to be pregnant? Scroll down to read our thoughts on the latest episode.
Zara Noor Abbas is turning out quite a performance there. We have to take note that the onus for the success or failure of the project rests on her tender shoulders. Of all the woman-centric dramas on air, (not many I’m afraid, let’s see we have Raqs e Bismil, Pehli Si Muhabbat, KAM 3, Raqeeb Se, maybe?) Phaans is the one that rides on the destiny of Zeba, and her ability to fight a very grave, and real tragedy – one that afflicts at least 11 women everyday (those that manage to report it).
If Zeba’s fight for justice reaches even ONE of those households, it is a project worthy of the cause it supports. To go back to Zara’s performance, I have to say, she has managed to map out the insurmountable emotional turbulence experienced by a rape survivor – from the initial shock, fear, hysteria, rage, quest for revenge and a recurrent sense of helplessness & hopelessness – it is all there.
We must not forget that many women (like Zeba) have to face politically & financially influential adversaries who threaten their life & livelihood if they dare file a police report. Case in point, our very own Mukhtaran Mai who has yet to receive justice.
According To Statistics, At Least 11 Rape Cases Are Reported Every Day In Pakistan
The News
Let’s not forget that Phaans is as real as Dunk, if not more so. (Not to take away from the Dunk narrative, but merely in a manner of comparison). And for those who say a lot has been said & written on the topic, let me say, apparently, a whole lot more needs to be written and said, because, if even one woman is being raped & denied justice, then … the fight is not over yet!
The Unbreakable Mother-Daughter Bond
Onwards to last week’s episode. We’re glad Phaans showed a mother-daughter team attempting to get medical evidence, Zeba not backing off despite pressure was a brave move indeed. If rape victims are to succeed in getting justice, and the perpetrator avenged & put behind bars, the entire family has to come together & support the investigation.
It is easier to back down and lie low for all the reasons the drama is showing us; a system that co-operates with those who have power & influence (police & doctors are both complicit), a society that treats lower income individuals as opportunists and whose credibility is questionable, and lastly, the extreme mental pressure endured by the entire (extended) family of the rape victim & the fear of the social (badnaami) fallout – in this case, Zeba’s family, where they even fear for their lives.
Writer Sameena Aijaz and director Syed Ahmad Kamran seem to have been thorough and ticked off all the boxes. It would be interesting to know if Zara mapped her journey as Zeba with help from meeting with a rape survivor. It would also help to know if a real life case was used as a starting point – for there are, unfortunately, many in Pakistan!
Zeba’s Unexpected Pregnancy
Will she keep the courage & press for a DNA test now, or will she let the gruesome pregnancy news overcome her strength? Many in the audience have questioned why she has been shown as pregnant. Some have even been appalled at the turn of events & asked why this needed to be part of the story line. Others have asked why a rape victim needs to be shown as pregnant.
Oh well, what can we say?
Is this yet another topic we want to shut our eyes to? At one point, you say there are too many dramas on rape and we will be desensitized to the issue, and then, on the other hand, you say; what is the need to show a pregnancy via rape? To clear the air, let it be known, that there is a misconception in society that if a woman becomes pregnant from rape, she might have enjoyed the sex.
I wonder if Phaans will be able to address this topic, and also, the topic of abortion.
Will Zeba attempt to go for an abortion?
Here, the narrative (if it follows this route), will also throw light on many women who have tread the same horrific path in Pakistan. According to unconfirmed reports (since rape statistics are very sketchy world wide, let alone in Pakistan), pregnancy can result from rape in as many as 5 to15% of rape cases.
In Pakistan, abortion is permitted only where there is a dire need for it, but the ‘dire need’ bit is a bit ambiguous. The procedure is often left to the discretion of medical professionals.
And if, due to their religious beliefs or principles, they refuse to perform abortion, they often end up treating the same patient later, who has attempted self-induced abortion at home.
SOCH writing: Dr Saadia Ahsan Pal
The Pressure On The Survivor
Phaans is showing us the unimaginable mental pressure a rape survivor & her family endure, especially when the perpetrators are socially & financially influential.
Tahir And Siraj’s Evil Plan
Policeman Tahir & Siraj are about to unleash a devious plan. Are you also second guessing the plot?
The narrative is throwing light on a simple rule – blame the perpetrator and NOT the victim. Phaans Drama is giving us reasons to watch!
