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    Zard Patton Ka Bunn (A Forest of Autum Leaves): A Trailblazing Drama on Women's Rights and Education

    Written by: Hurmat Majid
    Posted on: June 07, 2024 | | 中文

    Celebrations of Meenu's (Sajal Ali) first position in board exams

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn (a forest of autumn leaves), produced by Kashf Foundation and directed by Saifee Hassan, is a compelling addition to the current lineup of Pakistani dramas. Written by Mustafa Afridi and featuring a stellar cast led by Sajal Aly and Hamza Sohail, the drama boldly addresses significant social issues such as women's education, maternal health and gender roles, all while providing engaging entertainment.

    Kashf Foundation, in collaboration with HUM TV, has once again succeeded in creating content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. As the drama progresses, it promises to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters and the societal issues it addresses, potentially becoming a benchmark for socially conscious entertainment in Pakistan.

    Sajal as a college student

    The magic of Sajal Aly shines brightly from the very first episode. Her character, Maimoona (affectionately known as Meenu), is introduced in a relatable and heartwarming manner. Meenu's earnest prayers to Allah to save her from the fear of her examination results immediately resonate with many viewers. Her joy when her brother Roshan casually announces that she has topped the entire area, is a moment of triumph that viewers cannot help but be delighted with. This scene perfectly encapsulates the joy and surprise that makes Meenu such an endearing character.

    Hamza Sohail, who plays Dr. Nofil, delivers a commendable performance as a young doctor caught in a challenging situation involving maternal mortality. His portrayal adds depth to the drama, highlighting the struggles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in rural settings.

    Hamza Sohail and Noreen Gulwani

    The supporting cast, including Rehan Sheikh, Samiya Mumtaz and Adnan Shah Tipu, enhances the narrative with their convincing performances. Each character, from Meenu’s supportive father to the village Maulvi, adds a layer of authenticity and richness to the story.

    Director Saifee Hassan deserves accolades for his meticulous attention to detail. The scenes are beautifully crafted, from the intense hospital attack to the lively rooster fight in the village. These moments not only add visual appeal, but also ground the story in the realities of rural life. The production is high quality, with a keen focus on authenticity and relatability, making the drama visually engaging and immersive.

    Sajal Ali And Sheikh Mubashir

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn masterfully intertwines multiple social issues into its narrative without becoming preachy. These themes are seamlessly woven into the storyline, creating a space in the viewer's subconscious for reflection and awareness.

    At a launch event for the show, Sajal Aly emphasized the importance of girls' education, stating, "It forms the foundation of everything in society." This sentiment is echoed throughout the drama, where Meenu's pursuit of education challenges societal norms and inspires viewers to rethink traditional gender roles.

    One of the standout elements of Zard Patton Ka Bunn is its positive portrayal of fatherhood. In a landscape often dominated by negative or absent father figures, Meenu’s father emerges as a supportive and encouraging presence in her life. His belief in her abilities and his determination to see her succeed are both heartwarming and refreshing. This depiction of a nurturing father figure sets a positive example and adds emotional depth to the story.

    Sajal Ali and her on-screen father

    The drama's strength lies in its ability to balance humor with serious social commentary. The dialogues are well-crafted, often laced with humor that makes the characters more relatable and the narrative more engaging. This blend of comedy and gravity ensures that the drama remains appealing to a wide range of viewers.

    Hamza Sohail, who plays Dr. Nofil, succinctly captures the essence of the drama: "When stories are serving a bigger purpose than a singular character, then we must be part of it." His portrayal of positive masculinity is a lesson in itself, demonstrating the importance of standing strong in one’s beliefs and showing emotions openly.

    The drama’s focus on medical negligence, particularly in the context of maternal health, is handled with sensitivity and care. It educates viewers on the importance of responsible action and inquiry in the face of medical mishaps, promoting a more informed and proactive approach to healthcare issues.

    Hamza Sohail and Syed Muhammad Ahmed

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and traditions of rural Pakistan. The rooster fight, a prevalent practice in villages, and Meenu’s daily chores highlight the physical and emotional labor women endure in rural settings. These scenes are not just visually striking but also serve to emphasize the resilience and strength of rural women.

    Zard Patton Ka Bunn combines substance with entertainment, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in a meaningful story. The powerful performances, particularly by Sajal Aly and Hamza Sohail, the impeccable direction and the strong social messages make this drama a standout.

    For viewers seeking both entertainment and substance, Zard Patton Ka Bunn is a drama that deserves attention and applause. Its fresh storytelling, relatable characters and impactful themes make it a significant addition to Pakistani television.


    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