The cartoon follows the life of a mild-mannered teacher, whose burka-clad alter ego single-handedly fights the village gangsters who are threatening to close down the local girls’ school.
‘Jiya’ fights the baddies in full burka clothing, using a teacher-esque martial art that involves throwing pens and books.
The children’s action comedy has proved popular in a country where the taliban’s attempts to stop women getting an education, have stretched as far as shooting 15-year-old student and female rights activist, Malala Yousafzai, in the head on a schoolbus.
Rashid revealed that the show, which first aired in Pakistan last week , has attracted offers of being translated into 18 languages and screened in 60 countries.
‘The reception has been absolutely phenomenal, beyond our expectations,’ he said.
‘We were making this little animated TV series for Pakistan but it seems like the whole world wants to know about the Burka Avenger.’
Addressing controversy over the character's burka outfit, he explained:
‘It's not a sign of oppression. She is using the burka to hide her identity like other superheroes. Since she is a woman, we could have dressed her up like Catwoman or Wonder Woman, but that probably wouldn't have worked in Pakistan.’