Actor Sania Saeed calls for greater minority representation in Pakistani dramas

LAHORE – Veteran Pakistani actress Sania Saeed has urged television producers to portray religious minorities in local dramas, saying their limited representation on screen does not reflect Pakistan’s diverse society. In a recent interview, the senior actor questioned why members of other faiths are rarely depicted in television productions despite being an integral part of the country. She said minority communities often remain absent from television screens, creating the impression that they do not exist or are not part of Pakistani society. Highlighting the issue, Sania referred to the drama serial Mehrposh and said its director, Mazhar Moin, had made changes to the script by introducing a Hindu character as the heroine’s best friend. The actress said the decision sparked considerable discussion among viewers, with some questioning the inclusion of a Hindu character in the storyline. According to her, such reactions reveal prevailing attitudes towards the portrayal of people from different religious backgrounds in mainstream entertainment. Sania Saeed maintained that religious minorities are an important part of Pakistan’s social fabric and should be represented in television dramas. She said greater inclusion of diverse communities would help present a more realistic picture of the country and promote broader social understanding. Nauman Ijaz responds to debate over whether showbiz earnings are halal or haram