Zainab Qayyum, also known as ZQ, is a seasoned Pakistani television artist and former supermodel. She has recently established herself as a remarkable character actor. Her notable television appearances include Khalish, Mohabbat Chordi Maine, Kala Doriya, Intiqam, Riyasat, Sarkar Sahab, Yeh Zindagi Hai, Jalebiyan, Mohabbat Ab Nahi Hogi, Khumar, Aangan, Phir Wohi Mohabbat, Burns Road Kay Romeo and Juliet, and Khushboo Main Basay Khat. Most recently, fans praised her portrayal of Fozia in Geo TV’s drama serial Dayan. Zainab Qayyum is also a vocal Pakistani celebrity who frequently speaks out on social issues.
Recently, Zainab Qayyum opened up about the cruel class divide in Pakistan, especially in the wake of the tragic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi. The incident claimed approximately 30 lives, while more than 60 people remain missing. Meanwhile, Pakistani social media portrayed two starkly different realities: the suffering of the Gul Plaza victims and the grandeur of a government official’s lavish wedding.
Taking to her official Instagram account, Zainab Qayyum shared her concerns and wrote, “My feed right now is showing me two Pakistans. One of the elite—the unharmed, the untouchables—celebrating a wedding and talking about designer wear and Botox. The other is of the burning working class, buried under the rubble of a collapsing economy, dying with no hope for justice or accountability.”
Social media users are deeply saddened by the worsening class divide, with many expressing agreement with Zainab Qayyum. A social media user wrote, “We have been seeing this since our childhood, but now it has increased a lot.” One user sadly remarked that it reflects “Karachi versus the whole of Pakistan.” Another wrote, “The rich are getting richer through our taxes, while common people are burning.” One comment read, “The social and class divide is widening; what’s even sadder is the lack of empathy and moral conscience.” Another stated, “Between luxury and survival lies the real Pakistan.” Read the comments here:
