As Pamaal nears its end, it becomes clear that Malika (Saba Qamar) has made her way into her professional life as a successful scriptwriter. With her drama script on roll, she gets her first writing payment and celebrates with her daughter, the only aspect of life she looks forward to. On the other hand, she turns down another marriage proposal from Anas, also known as Anni (Haris Waheed).
After a respectful conversation with Anni, Malika tells him that she is still attached to Raza (Usman Mukhtar) and his memories. Though he is not alive, she finds him her only companion and feels his presence everywhere. She sees only a future in raising her daughter single-handedly as she moves forward in her career.
In a vow to Raza before his death, she promised that she would choose him as a companion now and in the afterlife. Her refusal to Anni is a foreshadow of this promise she had made to his deceased husband. The daughter they had together is another angle of her choosing to remain single. She prioritises her daughter’s future and Raza’s memories over her own companionship.
The Pamaal audience appreciates that Malika has proven herself strong and independent. She has navigated through loss and now sees a life with her daughter only. Stating that Mallika’s choices should be respected regardless of being married or not, a user posted:
However, many wanted a happy ending for Anni and for Malika, who would find companionship after her experience with Raza. A user stated that, though it is good to be independent, remarriage is encouraged. They commented:
Another said:
Considering how Anni kept approaching Malika even after being rejected once, and with a child, viewers see him as a green flag. A fan commented that only Anni could love Malika and her daughter like this. They stated:
Another viewer said:
What did not sit well with viewers was how Raza still controls Malika’s life after death; a vow to him keeps Malika from choosing herself. Her refusal of Anni’s proposal centres on the promise she made to Raza when he was alive. Stating that such promises are not new to our society, a user commented:
Another stated that such oaths are not realistic; one always needs support in life. They posted:
One added that these promises only work for women who bound themselves to their husbands, while men would marry within months. They posted:
Raza being presented as a hero despite being toxic and narcissistic is not liked by the audience either. Stating that this arc supports toxic love, a user commented:
One added that the story pushes the idea that a toxic man can be glorified after dying from a terminal illness. Talking about how Raza is being immortalised, a fan said:
Another said:
Another added that this is not what religious values teach us and said:
Few support Malika’s choice, as one user stated that she finally got a breather and she would take her time before committing to a relationship. They posted:
One stated that no one knows if Anni would change after marriage, too. They posted:
