Written by GEO News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, the new play *Case No 9* has already caused quite a stir, despite only two episodes having aired to date. Boasting a stellar supporting cast and a gripping plot, *Case No 9* promises to raise the bar for future productions.
With accomplished actors like Faysal Qureshi and Saba Qamar, and a director of Syed Wajahat Hussain’s calibre at the helm, the show is off to a strong start.
### Plot Overview
Saba Qamar portrays Sehar Moazzam, the head of sales and marketing at KKR, a company owned by Kamran Haider, played by Faysal Qureshi. Sehar is a star employee and is invited to dinner by Kamran. However, when Sehar arrives, she is surprised to find she is alone.
Immediately suspecting something is wrong, she tries to escape but is sexually assaulted by Kamran, who is angered by her repeated rejections of his advances. Meanwhile, Kamran’s wife, Kiran, is at her parents’ house and is soon expecting a baby.
Junaid Khan plays Rohit, Kamran’s friend. After receiving a text from Sehar about Kamran’s whereabouts, Rohit suspects trouble. He rushes to Kamran’s place, but it’s too late. Rohit finds Sehar in acute distress, lying on the floor of the powder room, evidently the victim of an assault.
Sehar is traumatized and decides to leave. Rohit is furious with Kamran but is eventually persuaded to hush the matter up.
### The Investigation
After nearly a week, Sehar gathers the courage to file an FIR against Kamran. Mirza Gohar Rasheed plays Shafique, the police inspector assigned by the SP to investigate the case. Sehar faces invasive questioning and undergoes a medical examination.
Kamran, with the help of his company lawyer, manages to secure bail before arrest and hires a powerful defense attorney.
### Central Questions
How will the play unfold? Will Sehar get justice, or will Kamran evade conviction? Will Rohit protect Kamran or reveal the truth?
### Social Issues Highlighted
*Case No 9* shines a light on multiple social issues. Sehar, a divorcee, faces societal prejudices, with misogynists around her believing she should be available to Kamran simply because of her marital status. Kamran’s attempts to exploit her culminate in assault after she rejects his advances. Rohit’s conflicted role as a witness who initially aids Kamran adds a complicated layer to the narrative.
### Performances
The supporting cast is excellent and effectively propels the story forward. Faysal Qureshi nails the role of the arrogant and supercilious boss. Junaid Khan emerges as an on-screen revelation, showcasing his growth into a fine actor.
Saba Qamar steals the show with a powerful and convincing performance as a survivor. With every role, she continues to raise the bar and has firmly established herself as one of the best actresses in the television industry. Her previous works, such as *Cheekh* and *Baaghi*, cemented her reputation, and she has only improved since.
### Production Quality
*Case No 9* is a big-budget production with a slick visual style. The dialogues are sharp and impactful, and with a masterful director at the helm, the audience is in for a treat.
### Importance
This play is a far cry from the usual fare, raising awareness about a crime committed every day worldwide, yet one with an alarmingly low conviction rate in this country—only about 3%. This is partly due to underreporting, given the immense pressure survivors face to stay silent.
### Final Verdict
*Case No 9* is a hard-hitting, must-watch production. Tune in to GEO every Wednesday and Thursday to follow the gripping story and find out whether Sehar gets justice or if Kamran walks free. Will Rohit stand by his conscience or shield his friend? Keep watching to find out.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346824-a-hard-hitting-thriller