KARACHI – Acclaimed actor Saba Qamar has revealed how emotionally challenging it was to portray a rape survivor in her new drama Case No. 9, which tackles themes of trauma, justice, and resilience.
The revelation came after a viral clip showed fellow actors Shamoon Abbasi, Nadia Khan, and Atiqa Odho praising Saba’s powerful performance in the series. Reflecting on her experience, Saba said the role deeply affected her both mentally and physically. “It’s not easy. Emotional scenes take a real toll on the mind and the body,” she shared. “I’ve faced health issues because of it. But I’m learning to take better care of myself.” She added that she has started to “breathe through” the emotional strain that comes with embodying such intense and layered characters.
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In Case No. 9, Saba plays Sehar, an ambitious professional whose promising career comes crashing down after her boss, Kamran (played by Faysal Quraishi), sexually assaults her. The story follows Sehar’s pursuit of justice through a complex and often unkind judicial system, guided by her lawyer Beenish Ali, portrayed by Aamina Sheikh.
Written by journalist Shahzeb Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, the drama goes beyond conventional storytelling, delving into the legal and emotional realities faced by survivors of sexual assault.
Aamina Sheikh shared that the script was grounded in real-life court cases and authentic legal procedures to ensure accuracy. “The goal was not just to tell a story but to educate audiences about victims’ rights, court processes, and the precedents that shape rape and assault trials,” she said.
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Saba’s portrayal of Sehar has earned widespread praise for its raw vulnerability and emotional intensity. Critics and viewers have lauded Case No. 9 for handling a sensitive subject with empathy and realism — avoiding sensationalism while highlighting the systemic flaws that survivors often face.