Asra Khalid designs costumes for Saira Aur Maira, a Tribute to Asma Jehangir

Seema is a devoted human rights lawyer, who is supported by a sympathetic family and devoted team. The cases she is currently involved in are those of Saira, a married woman from Peshawar who wants a divorce from her abusive husband but her parents are totally opposed to it and Maira, who has married without her parents consent is being pursued by her family. 

The two seek shelter in Seema’s shelter home ‘Aghosh’ and become good friends.  Saira is stressed and agitated fearing death at the hands of her own family , while Maira is lively and flamboyant. Saira’s parents consider her escape an ultimate blot on the family honor and plan to kill her. Seema fights on every front to seek justice for both women, defying virulent character-assassination and physical threats by the parents of the two women and their fundamental supporter. Her house and shelter home are attacked by fanatics.

Her husband and daughters are steadfast in their support for Seema.  Eventually Seema’s position of being on the right side of history is vindicated by landmark court Judgments. But these achievements come too late for some. Not demoralized or intimidated, Seema continues her struggle for a better tomorrow and a just society. 

‘Saira aur Maira’ is a tribute to the iconic human rights campaigner Asma Jehangir and the play has been specially written by Shahid Nadeem for the Asma Jehangir Conference 2019.  The play is a celebration of courage and conviction of the women fighting against unjust patriarchal  system, supported by civil society and ultimately, the system. The story unfolds in a dramatic way and are supported by heart-warming music and spectacular choreography.  

Asra Khalid designed the costumes that were used in this presentation.