Durefishan Saleem explains the message behind Dar-e-Nijaat

Pakistani actor Durefishan Saleem has responded to criticism surrounding the latest episodes of her drama Dar-e-Nijaat, saying viewers should not interpret the story as a message telling women how they should heal.

Saleem addressed the discussion through her Instagram Stories after viewers questioned the direction of the drama. She explained that the story is actually exploring the different standards applied to men and women when it comes to mistakes, guilt and redemption.

According to the actor, men are often given greater freedom to make mistakes, seek forgiveness and begin their lives again. Women, however, are frequently expected to carry the consequences of their choices for much longer.

Saleem also urged viewers to approach the drama as a story about people and their emotions rather than expecting every character to make morally perfect decisions. She said audiences do not have to agree with a character’s choices to understand their feelings or empathise with their circumstances.

In another Instagram Story, the actor shared a post describing Dar-e-Nijaat as a journey in which a woman discovers herself rather than a story centred on finding a man. Saleem added that sometimes finding yourself can be the love story a person needs.

The discussion followed the recent episodes focusing on Zaryab, the drama’s central character. Zaryab has been struggling emotionally after being betrayed and abandoned by her childhood sweetheart and former boyfriend, Zamil, played by Nameer Khan.

Episodes 14 and 15 showed Zaryab experiencing what appeared to be a panic attack. Her family attempted to comfort her, but she remained distressed.

The situation changed when Abu Bakr, played by Sheheryar Munawar, arrived. He recited Quranic verses over a glass of water and gently helped Zaryab drink it. She subsequently appeared calmer and was able to get up and walk.

The scene prompted criticism from some viewers, who felt that the drama appeared to suggest that a woman dealing with emotional trauma needs a man to recover.

Some social media users argued that Zaryab should receive professional psychological support instead of being presented as someone who needs a male character to save her. Others described Abu Bakr’s intervention as unrealistic.

Saleem’s explanation, however, points to a broader theme in the drama involving religious redemption and the different expectations placed on its male and female characters.

Zaryab is shown struggling with guilt over her relationship with Zamil, particularly because they lived together without being married. Her guilt has made it difficult for her to move forward with her life or consider another relationship.

Zamil, meanwhile, appears to have been able to move on more quickly after reconnecting with religion. He ended his relationship with Zaryab and married another woman whom he considered more religiously suitable.

The contrast between the two characters is central to the drama’s current storyline. While Zamil believes he deserves an opportunity to change his life, Zaryab continues to struggle with the belief that her own mistakes are more difficult to overcome.

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