Renowned actor and model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak recently voiced her concerns about the current state of Pakistani television dramas, calling for a stronger commitment to realism over superficial glamor. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she pulled back the curtain on the entertainment industry, exposing the deep-rooted issues behind its polished image.

Khattak criticized production houses for focusing more on commercial success than on meaningful storytelling. She claimed that the industry often prioritizes profit over purpose, overlooking social realities and exploiting creative professionals in the process.

Having acted in just a handful of dramas, Khattak explained her selective approach to choosing roles. “There were many offers,” she noted, “but I chose not to participate in projects that lacked depth or sincerity.” Her decision was grounded in a desire to support authentic narratives, rather than contribute to formulaic, glamor-driven content.

She also took issue with the lack of effort in developing believable characters, especially when it comes to costumes and makeup that ignore cultural and socioeconomic context. “We need professionals who know how to dress characters with realism,” she said. “Dramas should reflect real people, not fantasy figures.”

Moreover, Khattak questioned the industry’s reluctance to explore urgent, real-life stories. She cited examples like the Zainab case, Noor Mukadam, and the plight of heroin addicts outside Lahore’s Data Darbar as powerful subjects deserving screen time. “Why aren’t we telling these stories?” she asked. “Why not produce documentaries that challenge viewers and spark conversation?”

Through her candid reflection, Saheefa Jabbar Khattak is advocating for a more responsible, grounded, and socially conscious entertainment industry—one that tells the stories that matter rather than just those that sell.