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    Drama Review: Working Women is Unveiling the Tapestry of Female Empowerment

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: October 19, 2023 | | 中文

    Anoushay Abbasi (sitting). ( R to L) Srha Asghar, Jenaan Hussain and Faiza Gillani

    Working Women is not just a television drama, it is a mirror reflecting the realities of women in contemporary society. The intersectionality of the characters allows the narrative to touch upon various aspects of womanhood, transcending stereotypes and embracing the diversity of experiences. The character dynamics in Working Women are a testament to the well-thought character development by Bee Gul. Each woman represents a facet of the challenges faced by women in their pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. The relatability of these characters is heightened by the outstanding performances of the cast, making it a deeply immersive experience for the audience.

    Maria Wasti, a seasoned actress, embraces the challenge of a modern and unconventional role. Her portrayal challenges preconceived notions about women in certain age brackets, proving that age is not a limitation but an asset that adds layers to the character. Anoushay Abbasi, with her portrayal of a character with a Punjabi background, brings authenticity to the screen. The diversity in cultural representation is a commendable aspect of Working Women, breaking away from the homogeneity often seen in television dramas.

    Maria Wasti and Srha Asghar in the drama

    The Pukhtoon woman, portrayed by Faiza Gillani, adds an important layer to the narrative. The complexities of navigating societal expectations, while staying true to one's identity are skillfully depicted through Faiza's nuanced performance. Jenaan Hussain's portrayal of the nurse, underscores the challenges faced by women in professions that demand resilience and tenacity. It adds a socio-economic layer to the narrative, highlighting the disparities within the female experience. Srha Asghar's goth (a music based subculture, an offshoot of post-punk music genre) character is a breath of fresh air, challenging conventional notions of femininity. Her performance adds an element of rebellion and individuality, celebrating the diversity of women's expressions. The new addition to the cast, a young actress playing a mostly mute character, is a stroke of genius. It not only adds an intriguing mystery to the storyline, but also showcases the talent of a new generation of actors.

    Anoushay and Srha in the drama

    The direction of Yasra Rizvi deserves special mention. Her ability to extract nuanced performances from the cast contributes significantly to the overall impact of Working Women. The pacing of the drama is carefully calibrated, allowing the narrative to unfold organically and keeps the audience hooked with each episode. The production quality, under the collaboration of Green Entertainment and Multiverse Entertainment, is a benchmark for Pakistani dramas. The attention to detail in set designs, costumes and the overall aesthetics, elevates the viewing experience. The drama is a visual feast, capturing the essence of each scene with cinematic finesse.

    The camera work is a silent storyteller, capturing the unspoken emotions of the characters. The cinematography adds depth to the storytelling, emphasizing the beauty in the mundane and amplifying the impact of poignant moments. The dialogues, crafted by Bee Gul, are a work of art. They are not just lines; they are impactful expressions that resonate with the audience. The subtlety in the dialogues is a testament to Bee Gul's understanding of the power of words, creating a lasting impression without resorting to melodrama.

    Anoushay and Ilsa Hareem

    Bee Gul's journey in the entertainment industry is a narrative of determination and creative prowess. Her repertoire, spanning from a telefilm set in undivided India to groundbreaking adaptations, showcases her versatility. Bee Gul is not just a writer but a social commentator, whose writing is thought provoking and who uses her craft to challenge social norms. Her commitment to social change is evident not only in the themes she explores, but also in her critique of the industry. Bee Gul's advocacy for bold and feminist content speaks to her belief in the transformative power of storytelling. The challenges Bee Gul faces due to censorship and resistance from producers, highlight the uphill battle for creative freedom in the Pakistani drama industry. Working Women is a testament to her commitment.

    Adnan Jaffar and Amna Malik

    The premiere of Working Women on September 20th marked a turning point in Pakistani television. The explosive subject matter and powerful performances have not only captured the audience's attention, but have also set a new standard for the industry. Green Entertainment's commitment to thought-provoking and engaging series is evident in Working Women. The channel, launched in July 2023, aims to challenge traditional narratives and create a space for stories that resonate with authenticity.

    In conclusion, Working Women is a triumph of storytelling, direction and performance. It stands tall as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, challenging societal norms and celebrating the diversity of women's experiences. Bee Gul's creative brilliance, Yasra Rizvi's meticulous direction, and the stellar performances of the cast converge to create a narrative that not only entertains but also inspires.

    Maria Wasti and Jenaan Hussain

    As the drama continues to unfold, it invites the audience to reflect on the societal roles imposed on women. It navigates the complexities of womanhood with grace, hitting hard on issues without succumbing to despair. Working Women is not just a drama, but a movement that is pushing boundaries of what television can achieve, and setting a new standard for meaningful and impactful storytelling.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021