'Not entertainment but dangerous storytelling'

Express Tribune

05-06-2025

In an Instagram Story shared on Monday, actor and model Aymen Saleem questioned the excessive display of abuse in local dramas.
"Enough is enough. I'm deeply disturbed by the way a recent drama is portraying abuse — tying up a woman with ropes, showing it in a romantic or a bold light, and then normalising it as part of a love story. This isn't entertainment. It's dangerous storytelling," Aymen stated.
She added that such plotlines can have detrimental effects in a country that's plagued with women's issues, including patriarchy, emotional and physical abuse, and societal pressure. "Media has the power to either reinforce or challenge these toxic norms. Dramas should offer relief, empowerment, and progress, not drag us back into justifying harm in the name of love," she said.
The Chupke Chupke actor believes that Pakistani television has made strides in depicting "strong, self-aware female leads and breaking generational curses", which is what prompted her to question, "Why are we slipping back?"
Aymen's insights are relevant to an industry that produces stories that often stem from strong grounds of morality and depart with positive takeaways. That is why, she believes, such uncensored violence against women has a negative impact.
Adding a note to her showbiz peers, she said, "To the writers, producers, channels, and especially the actors: you have influence. People look up to you. Please choose your scripts and stories responsibly. This is not just fiction. This shapes culture."
When it comes to her presence on social media, Aymen isn't afraid to speak her mind, whether it is to defend herself or others. In February, she penned a long note unleashing her frustration at netizens taking offence over wedding photos shared by then-newlyweds Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed.
"The unnecessary moral policing that happens every time someone dares to live their life on their own terms is honestly exhausting," she said.
The Paristan actor became well-acquainted with judgemental comments and 'moral policing' after posting pictures of her maternity shoot last November - a decision that raised concerns amongst netizens about her desire to follow 'Western' culture. In this instance, however, Aymen's anger stemmed from a place of empathy as she segued into Kubra and Gohar's wedding celebrations.
"No one gets to question someone else's sincerity or faith based on how they choose to celebrate their joy," Aymen wrote. "Faith is personal. Celebration is personal. If you can't find it in yourself to be happy for others, the least you can do is mind your own business."