Zainab Kay Qaatil – Telefilm For Raising Awareness or Garnering Ratings?

In today’s digitalized world, one can’t simply deny the power of the screen. The television, however, has also recognized their impact – which explains the recent change in the topic pattern. Previously more centred on romance and domestic politics, the industry took an unconventional direction by producing serials inclined on social issues.
As a result, we got the privilege of seeing drama serials like Udaari (talking about child sexual abuse), Sammi (rejecting ages-old practice of Vani in rural societies), Aisi Hai Tanhai (questioning societal dynamics to judge a woman’s character), Khuda Mera Bhi Hai (advocating transgender rights), Bedardi (on AIDS awareness) – to name some of them.

Though always celebrated, welcomed and appreciated by the public, there is a new one that is meeting quite a critical response.
Reportedly, a local channel A Plus is making a telefilm named Zainab Kay Qaatil, highlighting the role of media in Zainab’s rape and murder case, and highlighting the brutality against children that has drenched in our society.
The executive producer of the project, Kashif Kabeer, talks about what inspired the team to actualize this idea.
“Often when such incidents occur, the media/social media sensationalizes the news to the extent that they completely forget how it affects the victim’s family. The case is used to just further boost ratings, as a means to an end.” – Kashif Said (Source: DAWN News)

He also said that the TVF will also explore different angles of the issue – from how stakeholders addressed it to how morning shows used the incident for rating. He added that they themselves are not doing it for ratings and education of the general public is the only motive. However, people aren’t buying their argument.
Even before formally airing, Zainab Kay Qaatil is receiving a criticism for using a sensitive issue whose details can potentially hurt her family’s sentiments is being used to garner viewership.
Here is what social media community is saying:

A telefilm in being made on Zainab’s case and the poster for it is very disturbing, to me. Isn’t it too soon for making a film on that tragedy? Everything and every event should not be made into a money making media frenzy

— thankful (@aaik28) May 7, 2018

Yes I saw the image .. It's harrowing

— Sherry (@CherieDamour_) May 7, 2018

Reality bites indeed !

Ruthless speedy justice and execution is the only way to prevent it.

— High Priestess (@JazzibaeNazar) May 7, 2018

A telefilm on Zainab’s story. This is not awareness, it is sensationalism. Awareness can be raised in better ways, through a different story on the subject. This is capitalizing on a tragedy. How will the family feel, did they consent to it? Do the profits go towards the cause? pic.twitter.com/HPf9PhDhO6

— Shazia’s Dottuh (@maryamful) May 7, 2018

What’s with the horrific triggering poster? They even made her wear the SAME clothes. How do you put a child actor to reenact a real daunting rape scene? Is she given proper trauma counselling? Does media have any sense of sensitivity? This is NOT how to talk about grave issues.

— Shazia’s Dottuh (@maryamful) May 7, 2018

I agree with you on this point

— Abdus Samad Shah (@AbdusSamadShah5) May 8, 2018

Ban this

— Ramish zeeshan رامش ذیشان (@RhamishZeeshan) May 7, 2018

Ffffssssssssssssss. Will revenue go to any charity or line the pockets of the directors/cast? Disgusting.

— MHA (@MHA92_) May 7, 2018

Thanks to baaghi saba qamar nina ab aise dramas telefilms bana krain ge.

— neha ali (@nehaali111) May 7, 2018

@reportpemra please ban this. It is triggering for every victim out there

— Meph⚓ (@UnitedsFreak) May 7, 2018

Some tv channel is making a serial on Zainab of Kasur :s i know awareness is needed in Pakistan but it just doesn’t feel appropriate and sensitive

— Main Abdul Majid Hoon (@ComicsByMajid) May 6, 2018

Certainly yes … A drama serial means the nation will go through it all over again .. not required ..

— Nousheen Irfan Khan (@nousheen_irfan) May 7, 2018

It’s never about awareness, it’s always about TRP 😑

— Ayesha Usman (@TheMobileOPD) May 7, 2018

I understand the cause and message in making telefilm ZainabKeQatil. But this wound is too fresh…and a child is involved here. Very painful for the parents or for anyone to relive this gruesome story…Spread awareness amd educate but don't make it painful and dehumanize it.

— Sobiah Qureshi (@SobiahQ) May 6, 2018

A telefilm on Zainab’s story. This is not awareness, it is sensationalism. Awareness can be raised in better ways, through a different story on the subject. This is capitalizing on a tragedy. How will the family feel, did they consent to it? Do the profits go towards the cause? pic.twitter.com/HPf9PhDhO6

— Shazia’s Dottuh (@maryamful) May 7, 2018

What’s with the horrific triggering poster? They even made her wear the SAME clothes. How do you put a child actor to reenact a real daunting rape scene? Is she given proper trauma counselling? Does media have any sense of sensitivity? This is NOT how to talk about grave issues.

— Shazia’s Dottuh (@maryamful) May 7, 2018

I agree with you on this point

— Abdus Samad Shah (@AbdusSamadShah5) May 8, 2018

This isn’t the first time a sensitive issue is being addressed in a drama, however, the inclusion of ‘actual’ character impression linking to the tragedy that happened as compared to a hypothetical storyline is what increases the risk offending the related individuals.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments bar below.