Cartoon heroine stirs burqa debate in Pakistan

Cartoon fans in Pakistan are excited by the arrival of the country's first caped crusader, in the form of a female superhero who flies through the air, battling villains using pens and books.

The heroine, Burka Avenger, is certainly an unusual role model for female empowerment in Pakistan: a woman who uses martial arts to battle colourful villains such as Baba Bandooq, a Taliban-esque figure who tries to shut down her school, and Vadero Pajero, a corrupt politician.

But the cartoon, in which a demure schoolteacher, Jiya, transforms into the action heroine by donning a burqa, or traditional cloak, has also triggered a debate about her costume.

"Is it right to take the burqa and make it look 'cool' for children, to brainwash girls into thinking that a burqa gives you power instead of taking it away from you?" asked commentator Bina Shah in a blog post.

The criticism has not overshadowed the broader welcome that Burka Avenger, which aired for the first time on Sunday evening, has received. With slick computer animation, fast-paced action and humour that even adults can appreciate, the character could offer Pakistanis a new cultural icon akin to America's Wonder Woman.

The burqa debate centres on whether her use of the all-covering cloak is subverting a traditional symbol of segregation and oppression or reinforcing it.