Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has ignited an important discussion by calling out the Pakistani drama industry for ignoring real-life tragedies and systemic issues.

In a recent Instagram carousel post, she revealed the hidden truths behind the television screens, encouraging content creators to move beyond superficial storytelling and focus on bringing impactful, thought-provoking narratives to the forefront.

A Bold Critique of the Drama Industry’s Priorities

Saheefa Jabbar didn’t hold back when she called out production houses for putting profit ahead of purpose. She pointed out that many projects lack the depth, sincerity, and bravery needed to tackle important societal issues. Instead of sharing genuine stories, the emphasis often shifts to glamour, ratings, and predictable drama.

Even though she’s received numerous acting offers, Saheefa has only appeared in five dramas. She made it clear that her choices were deliberate. “I always had more than enough work,” she shared, “but I didn’t say yes to everything. There were projects I simply didn’t believe in.”

Among her few screen roles, she passionately supported just two dramas, Beti and Bhool, because they conveyed strong messages that resonated with her.

Shallow Scripts and Cosmetic Storytelling

In her post, Saheefa expressed her frustration with the shallow way storytelling is often approached. She pointed out that many scripts don’t get the respect they truly deserve. “It’s pretty rare for a drama to be taken seriously during production,” she noted. “If we keep making dramas just to sell, we’ll continue to lose our purpose, our integrity, and the genuine stories that really need to be told.”

She also criticised the excessive glamorisation of characters, highlighting how lavish makeup and unrealistic costumes often overlook important aspects like class context or cultural background.

“We need to bring in stylists who understand how to dress a character according to their story, class, and culture,” she stressed. “What we need isn’t fantasy, it’s realism.”

A Growing Chorus Against Exploitation

Saheefa’s impactful message resonates with a growing number of actors who are finally finding their voices. Seasoned stars like Marina Khan and Syed Mohammed Ahmed, along with rising talents such as Alizeh Shah, Ramsha Khan, and Khushhal Khan, have all expressed their frustrations about late payments, subpar working conditions, and a lack of transparency in financial matters.

 

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These united voices are no longer just murmurs; they’re evolving into a powerful movement that’s calling for accountability from production companies, directors, and broadcasters.

Time to Reclaim Integrity in Pakistani Drama

Saheefa Jabbar’s post isn’t just a simple complaint; it’s a powerful wake-up call for an industry that seems to have lost its way. Her requests aren’t extreme; they’re just the basic standards we should expect in any healthy and ethical workplace.

She’s advocating for genuine storytelling, professional integrity, and, most importantly, accountability from those in creative positions.

Pakistan’s media has the incredible ability to produce content that can truly transform culture. But to achieve that, it needs to address its shortcomings, starting from how scripts are chosen to the treatment of actors on set.