Government of Canada and Kashf Foundation Launch Socially Driven Drama ‘Aik Aur Pakeezah’

By Farzana Chaudhry – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Kashf Foundation, in partnership with the Government of Canada, launched its new socially conscious drama series, “Aik Aur Pakeezah,” at an event in Lahore. The launch brought together policymakers, women’s rights advocates, senior legal experts, media professionals, and members of the cast and creative team to highlight the challenges Pakistani women face in the digital era.

The series addresses critical issues such as cyber harassment, coerced marriage, reputational harm, and the legal gaps that affect women’s access to justice in Pakistan. The cast includes Nameer Khan, Sehar Khan, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Amna Ilyas, Nimra Zakaria Khan, Hina Khawaja Butt, Adeel Butt, Umer Dar, Nadia Afghan, and others.

In her welcome address, Roshaneh Zafar, Founder and Managing Director of Kashf Foundation, cited statistics from the Digital Rights Foundation, noting that Pakistan has 72 million internet users, with nearly 40% of women reporting online harassment. She said the series aims to provoke dialogue, challenge harmful norms, and highlight the urgent need for legal systems that safeguard women’s rights online and offline.

Ms. Harriet Roos, Counsellor (Development) and Head of Cooperation, Government of Canada, reaffirmed Canada’s long-standing support for women’s rights initiatives in Pakistan. She emphasized Canada’s decade-long partnership with Kashf Foundation and praised the drama series for sparking important national conversations.

Senator Ali Zafar highlighted that equitable access to justice for women is essential for societal progress and a cornerstone of gender equality.

The event featured two panels:

1. “Access to Justice in the Age of Cyber-Crime”, moderated by Reema Omar, included experts Khawar Mumtaz, Fauzia Waqar, Usama Khilji, and Barrister Khadija Siddiqi, who discussed gaps in investigation and prosecution of online harassment and necessary legal reforms.

2. “From Script to Screen: Bringing Aik Aur Pakeezah to Life”, which featured cast members Sehar Khan, Nameer Khan, Amna Ilyas, Hina Bayaat, director Kashif Nissar, and writer Beegul, focused on the creative process, portraying sensitive issues responsibly, and humanizing survivors.

The launch concluded with the premiere of the official trailer, offering audiences a first glimpse of the emotionally charged narrative, and underscored the series’ mission to promote public understanding of women’s rights and digital safety.