“Aakhir Kab Tak,” starring Srha Asghar, Ushna Shah, Adeel Hussain, Haroon Shahid, Azfar Rehman, Shahood Alvi, Javeria Abbasi, Gul E Rana and others, has been winning over audiences with its solid content and grim, yet optimistic story. Written by Radain Shah, this drama has been directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama. The topic of “Aakhir Kab Tak” essentially revolves around women empowerment, effectively weaving in several social issues and harassment into the narrative.
In episode 25, Zafar (Azfar Rehman) has begun his harassment of Fajar (Srha Asghar) in full-force, feeling confident that she will not speak against him. In her fear, Fajar faints and is rescued by Saim, who is still unaware of what’s troubling her. Saim (Haroon Shahid) walks away as hero of this episode, depicting exactly what a supportive partner is. He not only defends his wife to his mother, but also puts his “friend” in his place, not willing to hear one negative word about Fajar. In this episode, we see that Zafar, along with troubling Fajar, is doing his best to turn Neelofar (Sabahat Bukhari) again Fajar once again. Neelofar has come a long way from her hatred towards Fajar, but with Zafar validating her old thoughts and pouring salt on her wounds, Neelofar is slowly moving back towards her hostile attitude. This is unfortunate, because Neelofar is busy defending the young man who is not only harassing her daughter in law, but also her own daughter under her own roof. Saim’s sister is visibly horrified by Zafar’s presence and he even attempts to blackmail her with her phone – but fortunately, this young lady isn’t willing to bow down to Zafar’s threats and puts him in his place. How long will it be before she finds out about Fajar’s past with Zafar? And will she be the one to come to her rescue?
On the other end, Noor (Ushna Shah) is living in marital bliss with Nasir (Adeel Hussain), the two not only the perfect support system for one another, but also loved by each other’s families. It’s wonderful to see how Nasir dotes on Noor, but also how much respect and honesty the two share. When Noor questions Fajar on what’s troubling her, Nasir proves what a great addition he is to this family by making it clear to Fajar that he will be there for her no matter what – something which we expect him to hold true to when the truth about Zafar is revealed.
It’s the writing and direction that are the true winners here. This is a show with strong storytelling and a gripping story that leaves the audience screaming for more each week. While the women have generally been given the limelight to shine in “Aakhir Kab Tak,” this episode truly belongs to the men. Azfar Rehman as Zafar is spine-chillingly scary, because he does not have any shame. Living under Saim’s roof, he is perfectly comfortable harassing not only Saim’s wife, but also his sister. He is the perfect representation of these slimy men in society who use their good reputations to conceal what’s going on underneath. Zafar is a man who is a coward, scared of the police and being exposed, but preying on young, defenseless women who are unable to speak up (for whatever reason). Azfar Rehman has nailed this role and this proves, once again, how underutilized he is as an actor. Adeel Hussain is wonderful as Nasir, a loving, dependable husband who wants to help his new wife and her family. The scene between Noor and Nasir where he asks her to trust and confide in him has been so well-written, as he doesn’t want to push, but he also wants Noor to recognize that there shouldn’t be secrets between the two. Nasir is proving to be the ideal husband. And of course, Haroon Shahid as Saim is another example of the ideal husband. This is a man who is sticking by his troubled wife through thick and thin. Haroon Shahid has given his 100% as Saim and is winning hearts. But how will Saim react when the truth is revealed? This is what we will have to wait and see.