Qarz e Jaan attempts to initiate conversations between young people and the mindset that surrounds working girls, the motivations that drive them and the way men see it, across generations; from Mohib to Bari Saahab and possibly Burhan?
On Working Women
Where Nashwa has finally stepped into the work force to pursue the legal profession, and one lauds the narrative for moving beyond teaching as a career choice for young women, (though one must argue, teaching is indeed a profession that deserves more five star ratings than it gets), one couldn’t but note that a sizeable portion of the episode focused on conversations surrounding working women.
Are they in it to merely waste everyone’s time, as per veteran lawyer Baari sahab, are they in it to work with handsome, debonair, sharp young lawyers, as Nashwa’s friends seem to (unfortunately) signal, are they being unfair to their young male colleagues who simply want them to be housewives, preparing a deliciously hearty home cooked meal for their partners as Mohid puts it, or, as Nashwa puts it; they are simply the most well-adjusted species on the face of this planet, who can cook, keep house and pursue an ambitious career all at once, but only if their husband would value them.
Aapko khayal hona chahiye kay Allah nay larki ko adjustment wali mitti say banaya hota hai
Now, all though Nashwa’s argument seemed to settle the debate, yet one wonders if perhaps, her mindset did not also push the same narrative young women are presently trying to overcome: Adjustment wali mitti = superwomen?
Why do working women have to be superwomen? Why do we align the ability to “adjust” in a woman’s DNA as a given?
Why can’t a woman seek a life partner who not only values her, as Nashwa says it, but is whole-heartedly “in it to win it” in the partnership – so he cooks, cleans and irons alongside his partner. If both individuals share responsibilities, both careers can take off – do the math, yeah? Why expect women to be able to adjust to all situations life throws at her. Why not expect men to share in the ‘adjustment’ process.
Nashwa (and Yumna Zaidi) win in the manner she gets her argument across – calm, composed and rational, yet by injecting the ‘adjustment mindset’, she seems to undermine her own argument.
Perhaps mentioning that both sides should adjust for a more equitable and satisfying partnership might be a more progressive option? However, not to undermine the rest of the debate that shed light on why men need a cook and not a companion for a life partner, and how many young girls dream of a career and not marriage as their ultimate destiny, is a great conversation to have. And it must be said that Pakistani drama script writers are getting there in baby steps, one drama at a time.
Challenges of a Rape Survivor
Qarz e Jaan’s latest episode also shed light on the challenges of a rape survivor – to tell her story or not. The pressure to not speak up, as in Maheen’s case, is real. Reporting rape means opening up a sordid experience, and repeatedly unraveling trauma that is best forgotten. In this case, a police investigation can lead to a court case and uncover details that will bring pain and further trauma to the rape survivor as well as possible threats to the family (if the rapist is well connected) and also, the social repercussions for the survivor’s family of publicizing a crime that is considered a hugely taboo topic.
It’s easier said than done. Once a rape survivor decides to file a report, she and her family must undergo a challenging journey. We wonder how Qarz e Jaan will help send out the message, supporting those who choose to tell their stories, and perhaps, giving courage to others who might choose not to.
Were Ammar’s friends involved in the crime as well? Did Ammar take Maheen for dead? And is this why he was scanning the news, to check any reports of a dead body found on the railway tracks? Ammar and his friends are trapped as Maheen has recorded her statement. What happens next will drive the story into accelerated watch mode, if the makers match the suspense, crime and intrigue in the plot with a possible court case to convict the perpetrators. Or will Qarz e Jaan turn into a family conspiracy, with Nashwa forced to keep Ammar’s secret?
Well, guess we’ll have to watch episode next to find out more.
Burhan has secured the house, and it remains to be seen what his ultimate plan is. Bakhtiar will certainly be in hot waters as his illegal construction projects meets roadblocks and possible fatalities.
Spotlight on the Legal Profession
Nashwa’s training as a lawyer who keeps emotions aside when investigating a case has just begun and we look forward to a more in-depth story on this one.
Qarz e Jaan also highlights how lawyers are pressurized and also offered bribes to lose or dismiss a case if they are fighting against influential individuals. Burhan might be in trouble as he fails to heed warnings to drop the case against Chaudhry Shafique. But we question why he let the man into his office and did not intervene when he shouted at his employee. We assume Burhan was aware that this guy would not stop at any cost and needed to hear him out, appearing as calm as possible.
Tell us if we missed something in Qarz e Jaan’s latest episode and drop us a comment below with your thoughts.
