Faysal Quraishi refers to Khaie’s stereotyping of Pashtuns

In a recent interview with a local television networkveteran Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi addressed fans’ comments and concerns regarding the storyline of the popular drama series, Khaie. The actor shed light on the complaints of some viewers who expressed discomfort with the portrayal of certain communities, (such as the Pashtun community) in the show.

Quraishi began by acknowledging the comments, stating: “I receive many messages from people who tell me, without mentioning the names of their tribes and regions, that they fled their native regions because of such rivalries. Their ancestors delighted in rivalries, making it difficult for them to live in those areas. I got a lot of messages like that and yes, they can relate to the story.”

He continued, “Some friends were also upset, wondering why Pathans are being portrayed in such a way. The thing is, we did not specifically say that he is Pathan. It is just the tone of the speech. Nowhere does anyone say that he is Pathan.”

Quraishi pointed out that director Syed Wajahat Hussain had clarified the nature of the story, emphasizing its fantastical and imaginative aspects. “Wajahat already told us that we are creating our own world and it’s a fantastic story. Enjoy it,” he remarked.

Khaie, a drama starring Quraishi and Durefishan Saleem that has caught the attention of a wide audience, has faced scrutiny for its depiction of certain communities and its depiction of conflicts that echo real-life struggles in certain areas. Quraishi’s response aims to address the concerns by emphasizing the creative freedom taken in creating the story.

The actor’s recognition of messages from viewers who could relate to the narrative shows that, for some, the drama successfully captures the essence of the historical and social challenges facing certain communities. However, the distinction between fiction and reality, as emphasized by both Quraishi and the director, remains critical to a nuanced understanding of the show’s intentions, according to the team.

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