Pamaal is a drama written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Khizer Idrees. The drama is showcasing control and narcissistic abuse that exists in most Pakistani marriages. Malika and Raza have become a topic of debate amongst the public and even women are confused on whom to support. Saba Qamar and Usman Mukhtar have done a brilliant job in showcasing such complex characters and reality of many households.
Pamaal is moving forward and we saw how Raza’s control has shifted from Malika to their daughter Hadiya. He treats Malika like his daughter’s nanny and did not take into account her health, postpartum depression and her reservations regarding a second child. Malika’s mother is not supportive either and she is simply suffering alone, both physically and emotionally.
This is what went down:
The internet felt triggered by such realistic scenes and many women remembered their own pain through Malika. One user wrote, “I understand Malika’s pain. When a woman is struggling due to a psychotic husband, the last thing she wants is another pregnancy.” Another woman shared, “This is my story. My mother kept pushing me back to a narcissist and now I am divorced with 6 kids.” One said, “It is tough to handle a toddler and another pregnancy. A great message by the drama.” Here are the reactions:
