Some thirteen years have passed but Alpha Bravo Charlie is still regarded as one of the most popular and celebrated plays of Pakistan Television (PTV). The series provided a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and captivated audiences with its larger than life acting and script. This time, Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) has come up with a thrilling drama series based on the true stories of brave Pakistanis. Titled Faseel-e-Jaan Se Aagay (Invincible Spirits, Immortal Souls), the play is ISPRs collaboration with CRS Public Relations, a private production company.
The series premiered in Lahore on Wednesday. A total of 11 episodes based on real-life stories of army personnel, policemen and civilians executing operations against terrorists and militants in the Mingora region. Promos of six stories were shared at the event while the remaining five will be released in April 2011.
Faseel-e-Jaan Se Aagay is a tribute to the immortals by the mortals, according to the dramas executive producer Khawar Azhar.
Matti Ka Qarz, one of the six stories is based on the life of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Javaid Iqbal who wrote new chapters of gallantry in the violence hit Malakand Division. The brave officer stood firm in the face of life threats when police force in the area had lost morale and was abandoning the area. Iqbal embraced martyrdom, the terrorists even carried out a suicide attack on his funeral procession, killing 55 people including his young son. It is directed by Azeem Sajjad and written by Sajjad Saji and stars Noman Ejaz, Saba Qamar and Yasmeen Haq in lead roles.
Meraj, another story that is based on the life of Captain Meraj Muhammad who was martyred in Swat. He was the recipient of the Sword of Honour and had conducted several operations with Frontier Corps at Khyber Agency and Buner. The episode is directed by Shakil Adnan and written by Zafar Meraj. Captain Waqasur Rehman has played the lead role in Meraj.
Inkaar is based on 14-year old Raheem Gul who became a suicide bomber. He had to carry out a suicide attack at a mosque in DI Khan but changed his mind just 60 seconds before the execution time. It is written by Wasi Shah and directed by Kashif Nisar. It stars Leyla Zuberi and Mohammad Yasir in lead roles.
Ada-e-Sarfaroshi is about Hawaldar Naeem Asghar who facilitated Pakistan Army in having a secure access route till Bahrain town in the valley of Adeen, Mingora. He alone attacked the safe location of terrorists with grenades and embraced martyrdom. The story is scripted by Sajjad Saji and it is directed by Kashif Nisar. Kamran Mujahid and Sofia Mirza have played the lead roles.
Ek Beti Ek Khanaiabout is a 16-year-old girl, Momi Gul who was kidnapped and molested for two months in Mingora region by a terrorist. She was later forced into a marriage to a 72-year-old Afghan commander and was ultimately recovered by Pakistan Army. The story is written by Amir Raza and directed by Kashif Nisar. It stars Maria Khan, Farhat Abdullah and Zia Khan in the main roles.
Ehd-e-Wafa tells the story of childhood friends Lieutenant Atif Qayum and Lieutenant Zeeshan Khan who embraced martyrdom in an operation in Swat and North Waziristan, respectively. They studied together, got commissioned in army together and even death couldnt part them. The story is written by Zafar Meraj and directed by Amir Yousaf. It stars Captain Imran Khan, Firdous Jamal and Nirvaan Nadeem.
PTVs Managing Director Yousaf Beg Mirza said there were many stakeholders in the war against terrorism and media had largely played a positive role in it. He said that the stories would share the real lives of those who sacrificed their present for the future of the nation.
The drama series will air on PTV from January 14 every Friday at 7:40pm. Incorporating English subtitles to enhance the scope of the play.
Bringing heroes to life The Express Tribune