The Pakistani television drama Pamaal, featuring the talented Saba Qamar in the lead role of Malika, has become a national sensation, captivating audiences with its raw and relatable portrayal of marital strife. The emotional turbulence between Malika and her husband resonates so deeply that it has sparked intense arguments in households across the country after every single episode.
The Incident That Divided The Nation
In the pivotal eleventh episode, the storyline took a dramatic turn when Malika was arrested by the police from an apartment where questionable activities were reportedly occurring. The truth was that Malika had simply gone to the location to share a meal of korma with a new acquaintance. Her husband, portrayed as an irritable and overly cautious man, saw this incident as confirmation of his long-held belief that his wife lacks worldliness.
The public shame of his wife being detained at a police station, even if based on a misunderstanding, was something he could not tolerate. In a subsequent interview where Malika narrates the drama's events, she reveals a profound insight: during the ordeal, she feared her husband's reaction more than she feared the police.
Two Fears and a Feminist Perspective
Malika elaborates on this by sharing a childhood memory, drawing a clear distinction between the two fears. The fear of the police, she explains, stems from their notorious reputation for harsh treatment. In stark contrast, the fear of her husband originates from what she perceives as his excessive care and caution for her. This comparison has become a central point of contention among viewers.
While some audiences see the husband's decision to send her back to her parents as a rash and relentless overreaction, others defend it as a logical consequence within the story's context. The drama's writer has been accused of injecting a conspicuous and biased feminist philosophy into the narrative, leading some critics to argue that the art suffers when a writer's personal worldview overshadows the storytelling.
Biblical Archetypes and Predictions for the Finale
The drama cleverly weaves in the archetypal Biblical theme of Adam and Eve. Malika, as Eve, disobeys her husband's (Adam's) implicit wishes. The friend who invites her to the apartment plays the role of Satan, leading to her subsequent ordeal. This allusion provides a rich layer of interpretation and helps audiences predict a potential path for the story.
Viewers are now eagerly awaiting the finale, with opinions divided on how the story should conclude. A divorce would disappoint many, while a transformative reconciliation would bring joy. The narrative's course and the subjective commentary so far suggest a separation is likely, yet the Biblical parallel offers hope for a happily-ever-after ending, leaving everyone in suspense.
