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    Film Review: Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal

    Film Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal Review

    Written by: Dr. Dushka H. Saiyid
    Posted on: December 17, 2016 | | 中文

    The ugly face of terrorism

    Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal is a patriotic film, self-evident from the title, bemoaning the destruction of Pakistan by the unscrupulous pursuit of Mammon, and amnesia amongst the younger generations about the sacrifices made for the creation and protection of Pakistan. Six years in the making, it’s a debut film both for its director, Umair S. Fazli, and producer, Dr Tauseef Razzaq.

    Film Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal

    The 1965 War

    The film is dedicated to the Air Force hero of the ‘65 war, Squadron Leader M.M.Alam, who has the singular achievement of downing no less than five Indian Air Force fighter planes. In recalling the sacrifices made for the creation of Pakistan, Hamza, played by Javed Sheikh with his usual aplomb, there are brief scenes of the Quaid-i-Azam’s interaction with Gandhi and the bloodbath of Partition. Hamza, a retiree from the Pakistan army, authors a book about the challenges that Pakistan faced during Partition and the ‘65 war, hoping that his son would read it and mend his ways. There is a long sequence in the film that covers many battlefronts of the ‘65 war, and features war scenes involving such heroes as Major Shabbir Shareef, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti and Major Shafqat Baloch.

    Film Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal

    The good guys: Javed Shaikh as Hamza and Sohail Sameer as Major Faraz

    It is Hamza’s son Haider, played by Moammar Rana, who is a cause of angst for his father because of his one-point agenda, to get rich quick. Not surprisingly, he joins the police force and enjoys the “good life” with hefty bribes. Life would have moved along in its usual sluggish way but for the rapid rise of terrorism, and that challenges and transforms Haider’s life, a metaphor for Pakistan as a whole as it faces this existential threat.   

    Film Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal

    Moammar Rana as the corrupt SP Haider and Rachel Gill as Razia Sultana, a dubious businesswoman

    The film’s commentary on our society is at times surprisingly sharp and realistic: the portrayal of the patwari’s son, a source of envy to the village boys because of his father’s ill-gotten wealth; the words of the terrorist as he lay dying, that there are thousands like him, a chilling reminder of how they have penetrated different facets of our society; and one of the last scenes of a group of suited gentlemen, expressing satisfaction that the terrorists will get off the hook because there is not much evidence against them.   

    Film Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal

    Umer Sultan as Muhammad Ali Jinnah

    Nayyar Ejaz as Moulvi Naseer is brilliant as the diabolical mastermind of the terrorists, while Moammar Rana as the corrupt cop and Sohail Sameer as the upright Major Faraz, fit their roles well. The film has rough edges with a simple storyline, and the characters are stereotypical, but it is an action-packed film and fun to watch.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021