Pakistani dramas often reflect the realities of our society, showing us stories of love, family, and relationships. But sometimes, they reveal harsh truths we tend to ignore. Parwarish, now airing on ARY Digital, is one such show that is encouraging an important conversation about consent, control, and how some behaviours are wrongly justified in the name of love.
What the Story is About?
At first, Parwarish may seem like a regular family drama about generational gaps and family expectations. The story follows two families navigating their hopes and dreams.
Wali Jahangir (played by Samar Jafri) returns from the US to Pakistan, caught between his passion for music and his family’s traditional values. Maya (played by Aina Asif), from a conservative household, dreams of becoming a doctor a goal driven by her own ambition.
Fate brings Wali and Maya together, adding another layer to the family drama. Their story is woven into the dynamics of their respective families, with parents who hold tightly to tradition and children who are trying to find their own paths.
At the center is Jahangir (Naumaan Ijaz), a father whose decision to move the family back to Pakistan shakes their lives. Mahnoor (Savera Nadeem), the mother, tries to maintain peace amidst rising tensions.
Supporting characters like Dada (Arshad Mehmood), Dadi (Shamim Hilaly), and Maya’s parents (Nazr ul Hasan and Bakhtawar Mazhar) bring added depth, making Parwarish a story that many families can relate to.
The Issue That Sparked Conversation
While the show began as a relatable family drama, a recent scene highlighted a troubling reality. Maya, now engaged to Waleed (Bilal Qureshi) after being forced into it by her father as a condition for continuing her education, faces a disturbing situation. Waleed begins crossing her boundaries, touching her without permission and claiming he has “rights” because they are engaged.
Maya’s discomfort is clear, but society’s expectations and pressures make it harder for her to speak out. This moment in Parwarish is a reminder that consent matters in every relationship whether it is a fiancé, a husband, or anyone else. Without consent, it is not okay.
Why This Story Matters?
In many parts of our society, women face constant pressure and control. Emotional and physical abuse is often dismissed as “love” or “family matters.” Dramas like Parwarish help challenge these harmful ideas. They remind us that true love respects boundaries and values consent.
This story also asks us important questions: Are we calling harmful behaviour romantic? Are we teaching girls to stay silent when they are uncomfortable or afraid? These are conversations we need to have more often.
The Lesson
Parwarish is more than just another drama. It is a wake-up call for viewers to recognise red flags in relationships and to understand that respect and consent must always come first.
As we continue watching, we hope that more dramas will follow this example, showing healthier relationships and encouraging viewers to think about the values we pass down through generations.
Because change starts when we begin noticing what we can no longer ignore.
