Dramas
Zindagi to Withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan Following Public Outcry
Zindagi has announced that “Barzakh,” its latest series, will be removed from YouTube Pakistan on August 9 due to growing public discontent. As audience saw the notification “Barzakh to be Removed from YouTube Pakistan” it captures the essence of the controversy, which has an on-going debate over right and wrong since the show’s debut two weeks ago.
The Controversy: Barzakh to be Removed from YouTube Pakistan
“Barzakh,” directed by Asim Abbasi, has been at the center of controversy for its themes, which some viewers find provocative. Known for his previous successes, “Churails” and “Cake,” Abbasi’s new series features a star-studded cast including Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Salman Shahid, Khushhal Khan, Sajid Hasan, Uzma Beg, and Nighat Choudhry. Despite the first episode garnering over four million views, the show’s content has been criticized for not being “family-friendly.”
In response to the criticism, Zindagi issued a statement on their official Instagram page, thanking viewers for their support but explaining the decision to withdraw the show. The statement reads, “We, at Zindagi and Team Barzakh, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our global audience for their unwavering support for Barzakh — a show that was created to bring people together everywhere. But in light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have decided to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024. This decision underscores our dedication to honouring our audiences without causing alienation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. Thank you.”
Reaction from Public and Creator
The final episode of “Barzakh” is scheduled to air tonight at 8pm, and fans in Pakistan have until August 9 to watch the series on YouTube. Public reactions to the show’s debut have been mixed. While some praised its bold narrative and strong performances, others expressed discomfort with its content.
Director Asim Abbasi responded to the backlash, stating, “With all due respect, if you find queer/non-heteronormative storylines ‘distasteful,’ please do not watch my content. I will always champion the rights of all and tell stories that we believe in.”
Read more: Sanam Saeed Discusses Prospects of Working in India Post-Barzakh