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Trigger warning: mentions of domestic abuse. Spoilers ahead for episode 21 of Jaffaa

Friday’s episode of Jaffaa was different — it featured a scene of domestic abuse like many other dramas have done in the past, but what made it different was the aftermath of the abuse.

Usman Mukhtar, one of the stars of the show, took to social media to highlight the episode and say that part of the reason he took on the drama was to highlight “the devastating issue of domestic violence, something I’ve witnessed firsthand through someone very close to me”.

“While I’m not directly part of this storyline, Mohib Mirza and Mawra Hocane’s absolutely amazing performances beautifully capture the emotional weight of abuse. Their portrayal speaks to the suffering so many women endure in silence, and I hope it resonates with viewers in a way that encourages change,” he wrote.

He thanked their director Danish Nawaz and producer Momina Duraid for their remarkable work. “Tackling the sensitive issue of domestic violence is no small feat, and both Danish bhai and Momina Bhabi approached it with immense care and responsibility.”

Hocane, who plays the character affected by the abuse in Jaffaa, commented on his post, saying it was a team effort. “While it’s so sad that this particular episode has triggered pain of a personal story for everyone.. I’m glad we’re moving towards awareness with our content being progressive with each story we tell. Together we’ll bring about the bigger change we’ve always hoped for, one drama at a time!”

In episode 21 of Jaffaa, Mirza’s character Hassan beats up Hocane’s Zara until she passes out after a heated confrontation over his rage issues and her taking birth control. The reactions to the abuse were what made the episode interesting — Hassan’s grandmother tries to cover it up, he misrepresents the situation to the doctors and Mukhtar’s character sees Zara and immediately knows what has happened. He also immediately calls out Hassan, telling him off and saying there is no justification for hitting a woman.

Zara’s father shows up at the end of the episode and slaps Hassan, telling the police to take him away.

Though depictions of violence are commonplace in Pakistani dramas, rarely do the perpetrators of violence face any real repercussions. It’s nice to see a drama show the people around the abuser calling them out for hitting their spouse and for there to be actual consequences to their actions.