Breaking Stereotypes: The Misrepresentation Of Women In Modern Pakistani Dramas


(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) If a single drama can negatively portray the women of a society, does that mean the women in that society are actually like those depicted in today's TV shows? For example, a girl rebelling against her parents' decisions, eloping to marry against their wishes, in-laws sowing discord to ruin a household, a mother-in-law oppressing her daughters-in-law, or a married woman having an affair with a married man.

When people want to learn about a region, province, or country, they often form their opinions based on the dramas from that area, particularly the portrayal of women. Pakistani dramas are not only popular in Pakistan but are also watched and appreciated in neighboring countries. However, over time, Pakistani media has lost the high standards it once upheld.

In the quest for ratings and popularity, it seems that private channels disregard religious and traditional values. When someone, exhausted, turns on the TV to watch a drama, they are met with stories of conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, rebellious daughters, or negative portrayals of wives. These narratives do not reflect the true essence of Pakistani women and can even incite disdain.

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Today, in almost every second or third Pakistani drama, the villains or negative characters are predominantly women. The rising divorce rates can partly be attributed to the undue suspicion between spouses, inspired by these dramas. People mimic the scenarios they watch on TV in their personal lives, fearing that their daughters might elope like a character in a drama or doubting their spouses' fidelity, mirroring the storylines they see.

There was a time when PTV was the sole channel, and its dramas portrayed issues and traditions closely related to society. Viewers could see themselves in the characters, feeling that the stories were taken from their own lives. This meant that the characters were strong and relatable, offering genuine, not artificial, narratives.

Now, it appears that Pakistani dramas are made solely to demean women. The media seems to be failing to accurately portray the societal roles of women. In most dramas, women are depicted as cunning, greedy, immoral, or involved with married men. This not only leaves a harmful impression on the minds of the younger generation but also creates a false image of Pakistani women in the minds of viewers in neighboring countries.

Pakistani dramas should focus on maintaining their quality and also give proper attention to the portrayal of women. They should depict women as strong, brave, patient, and virtuous, reflecting their true nature. Present the real stories of Pakistani women so that viewers are left with a positive, rather than negative, impression.

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Tribal News Network

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