Earlier this year the horrific case of 6-year-old Zainab, who was abducted, raped and murdered in Kasur, Punjab, shocked the nation and many celebrities took to social media to condemn the shocking incident. Also in a press conference, renowned singer and social worker Shehzad Roy and superstar Mahira Khan urged authorities to deliver justice, not only to Zainab but all those who became victims of this brutality before her. Moreover, in the wake of this incident, well-known designer Maheen Khan, PR maverick Frieha Altaf and actor Nadia Jamil also came forward with their own childhood experiences of sexual abuse. All this led to the Mein Bhi movement in Pakistan, which was initiated by Frieha Altaf and launched at the Lux Style Awards held in February. This was followed by a ‘Mein Bhi’ music video.
In order to create awareness, a telefilm based on the rape case of little Zainab is in the works. Titled Zainab Kay Qatil, the telefilm is written by Umera Ahmed, who also penned the Saba Qamar-starrer Baaghi inspired from the life of Qandeel Baloch.
Zainab Kay Qatil will feature Suhail Sameer who will essay the role of Imran (the accused) while Hamna Amir will portray Zainab’s character along with Irfan Khoosat and Saba Faisal. According to sources, all the events of Zainab’s murder case will be filmed. The telefilm will come out later this year.
We do feel it’s soon to be turning Zainab’s story into a telefilm; plus, it will require immense sensitivity which even a writer as experienced as Umera Ahmed may find challenging. There are too many ways this idea can go wrong. Is it worth it?
