Gentleman, currently airing on Green Entertainment, has captivated audiences with its unique storyline and compelling characters. The show revolves around Iqbal Munna, a former street gangster, and Zarnab, a journalist critical of his criminal world. Munna’s transformation, fueled by his love for Zarnab, forms the crux of the narrative. The drama delves into complex themes of power dynamics, corruption, and the societal forces that shape individuals like Munna, offering a sharp critique of how the real culprits often lie within the affluent elite who manipulate people like pawns for personal gain.
The show introduces Faris Ahmad, an Assistant Commissioner, who also happens to be Zarnab’s fiancé, adding a love triangle to the mix and layering the plot with tension and intrigue. The acting, the pacing, and the overall execution of the drama have earned it well-deserved praise. The chemistry between the characters and the unpredictable storyline keep the audience engaged. However, as riveting as the drama is, it stumbles when it comes to portraying the intricacies of Pakistan’s bureaucratic system.
Here are three critical points where Gentleman falters in its depiction of bureaucracy:
The Misrepresentation of Bureaucratic Promotions
In the drama, Faris Ahmad is shown as being promoted directly from Assistant Commissioner (AC) to Deputy Commissioner (DC). This is a fundamental misrepresentation of how promotions work in the civil service of Pakistan. Typically, an Assistant Commissioner is promoted to the position of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), which is a BS-18 rank, before potentially assuming the role of a DC. While an ADC can temporarily hold the charge of a DC if the latter is transferred or on leave, it’s not common for an AC to jump directly to the DC rank without serving as an ADC first. This discrepancy might not be noticeable to all viewers, but it undermines the accuracy of the drama for those familiar with the civil service structure.
The Outdated Representation of the DC’s Vehicle
Throughout the show, Faris Ahmad, even after his promotion to DC, continues to drive a Pothohar jeep—a vehicle that was once a staple of Pakistan’s civil service but has now been largely phased out. In reality, most DCs and even ACs are allotted modern 4×4 Revo Double Cabins, particularly in Sindh, where the government has initiated a program to upgrade the vehicles provided to bureaucrats. The Pothohar jeep is now so outdated that even lower-tier government officials, like Patwaris, have stopped using them. It’s a small detail, but one that could easily have been corrected to reflect the reality of Pakistan’s current bureaucratic privileges.
The Inaccurate Depiction of Transfer Procedures
One of the more jarring inaccuracies in the drama is when Commissioner Karachi, Mr. Pirzada, states that he is going to sign the transfer orders of DC Faris Ahmad. This is not how transfers work in Pakistan’s bureaucracy. The authority to transfer and post DC-level officers lies with the Chief Minister, and the official order is issued by the Chief Secretary, bearing the signature of the section officer of the services department. This process is crucial to maintaining the hierarchy and system of checks within the bureaucracy, and the portrayal in the drama fails to reflect that.
Final Thoughts
Gentleman is undoubtedly a standout drama, weaving together themes of love, betrayal, societal critique, and personal redemption. The way it tackles the corrupting influence of the elite on vulnerable individuals like Munna is both thought-provoking and poignant. The performances are top-notch, and the storyline is refreshingly different from the usual fare on television.
However, the inaccuracies in the portrayal of Pakistan’s bureaucracy detract from the realism of the show. These oversights are not fatal to the enjoyment of the drama, but they are noticeable for anyone familiar with the workings of the civil service. A bit more attention to detail in these areas would elevate Gentleman even further, making it not only a compelling watch but also a more accurate reflection of the structures it seeks to depict.
Despite these minor flaws, Gentleman remains a must-watch for its gripping narrative, strong character development, and bold thematic exploration. It’s a drama that deserves its place in the spotlight but would benefit from fine-tuning these bureaucratic elements to achieve an even higher level of excellence.
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