Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed’s latest series, Barzakh, has generated significant buzz for its daring narrative. Directed by Asim Abbasi and produced by Waqas Hassan and Shailja Kejriwal, the show has received high praise from Indian audiences for its captivating plot and stunning cinematography. The performances of lead actors Salman Shahid, Sanam Saeed, and Fawad Khan have also been widely lauded.
Despite the acclaim, Barzakh has come under scrutiny in Pakistan for its portrayal of a homosexual character, which has become a focal point of controversy. The latest episodes have faced significant criticism and backlash from Pakistani viewers, who argue that the series promotes themes contrary to Islamic teachings.
So far, three episodes of Barzakh have been released on YouTube. The viewership numbers show a notable decline: the first episode received 2.2 million views, the second episode 776,000 views, and the third episode 288,000 views. This drop in viewership is largely attributed to the perception that the series is promoting LGBTQ content.
The show is facing severe public backlash, with viewers criticizing the involvement of Pakistani actors in a series that they believe promotes LGBTQ themes in opposition to Islamic values. The participation of Indian makers in the project has further fueled criticism, with some fans suggesting that such collaborations might lead to a decline in the quality of Pakistani dramas, similar to trends seen in Indian media. One fan remarked, “Fawad Khan does these characters to make his Indian fans happy.”
Critics of the show are also facing discontent from viewers who argue that the critics should review Islamic teachings before endorsing the series. The debate continues as clips of critics defending Barzakh circulate, further stoking the controversy.
