Durefishan Saleem has found herself at the centre of an unexpected social media storm over her performance in Dar-e-Nijat, and this time, it is not the drama’s storyline that has viewers talking.

The actress is currently appearing alongside Sheheryar Munawar and Nameer Khan in the drama, where she plays Zaryab, the carefree younger daughter of a wealthy family. While the show has attracted plenty of attention for its story and performances, Durefishan’s dialogue delivery has become a major talking point online.

In particular, viewers have picked apart the English accent she uses for the character. Short clips from the drama have been circulating on social media, with one particular pronunciation of the word “fab” becoming a favourite target for trolls.

Some viewers questioned whether the accent felt natural for Zaryab, while others turned her dialogue delivery into jokes and memes.

Durefishan’s character is written as someone who has grown up in a privileged environment. Zaryab has studied at elite schools and is considering moving to the United States for further education. She is frequently shown speaking English with her sister, friends and her boyfriend Zamil, played by Nameer Khan.

The background appears to be the reason behind the character’s English-heavy dialogue and accent. Still, a section of the audience has struggled to connect with the way Durefishan has portrayed it.

As the criticism grew louder, fellow actress Hania Aamir decided to step into the conversation.

Hania reshared a reel featuring Durefishan on her Instagram and kept her message short but clear. “Eyes forward, honey,” she wrote, seemingly encouraging the actress to ignore the noise and keep moving despite the online criticism.

Hania was not the only industry figure to object to the trolling.

Sanam Saeed also came to Durefishan’s defence, describing the reaction to her accent as unsettling. In an Instagram Story, Sanam questioned why people were so invested in mocking the way another actor delivered her lines.

She called the criticism “very lame” and went further by describing it as “downright mean and inconsiderate of someone’s feelings.”

For Durefishan, the controversy comes at a time when Dar-e-Nijat is already attracting significant attention. Her portrayal of Zaryab has clearly divided viewers, with some enjoying the character while others remain unconvinced by her accent and mannerisms.

Written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Saqib Khan, Dar-e-Nijat airs every Friday and Saturday.

Read more: Faisal Qureshi: Pakistani dramas match Netflix in global popularity

Pakistani actress Meera has found herself at the centre of a developing controversy after videos connected to an alleged dispute with a domestic worker surfaced online.

According to reports published on Tuesday, CCTV footage from the actress’s Lahore residence appears to show an altercation between Meera and a domestic worker near the main gate of the property. The footage has quickly circulated on social media, prompting questions about what happened and whether the incident warrants further legal action. (Daily Times)

Initial reports claimed that the domestic worker had approached police over alleged physical abuse. The CCTV footage was reportedly presented in connection with the allegations and appears to show Meera pushing and allegedly slapping the woman during the confrontation.

 

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The incident is reportedly linked to Meera’s residence in Lahore’s Defence area. However, as the story continues to develop, details surrounding the dispute remain contested.

A new twist has emerged after the domestic worker, identified in some reports as Yasmeen, gave conflicting accounts of the incident. In an earlier video statement, she reportedly accused Meera of physically assaulting her and appealed to authorities to intervene. She alleged that the actress had struck her and also made further claims about the confrontation. (Pakistan Connect)

But in a later statement recorded at a police station, Yasmeen reportedly denied that Meera had assaulted her. She referred to the actress as “Baji,” said that Meera treated her well and claimed that she was still working at the actress’s home. She also reportedly alleged that an earlier video concerning the incident had been generated using artificial intelligence. (Pakistan Connect)

According to a spokesperson for the DIG Operations, the footage circulating online is reportedly from June 2026, rather than a newly recorded incident. Police had already conducted an inquiry into the matter, during which both Meera and the domestic worker were summoned and questioned. (Pakistan Connect)

Police officials reportedly said the dispute had been settled between the two parties through mutual consent. The domestic worker also recorded a statement saying she did not wish to pursue legal action against Meera, with her written agreement and video statement becoming part of the police record.

 

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Interestingly, police also revealed that Meera had submitted a complaint against the domestic worker, alleging that certain belongings had been taken from her residence. That complaint was later withdrawn after the items were returned, according to the DIG Operations spokesperson. (Pakistan Connect)

The development means the viral footage is now only one part of a much larger and disputed account. While the footage has fueled widespread discussion online, the conflicting statements from the domestic worker and the police account of an earlier settlement have made it difficult to draw conclusions about the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

For now, there is no indication of a fresh legal action being pursued by the domestic worker. Police have reportedly maintained that the matter was previously settled and that the worker did not want to proceed against the actress. (Pakistan Connect)

Meera has not publicly offered her own detailed account of the controversy in the reports available so far. As more information emerges, the actress’s response could provide further context to the incident and the footage that has now gone viral.

Read more: “Gen Z Can’t Match My Legacy”: Meera

Pakistan’s Got Talent is the official Pakistani adaptation of the globally renowned Got Talent reality competition franchise, created by Simon Cowell and owned by Fremantle. Produced by Pixel Entertainment and broadcast on Geo Entertainment, the show provides a mainstream television platform to performers from across the country, including singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, acrobats, beatboxers and stunt artists. The first season features a judging panel comprising Ali Zafar, Mehwish Hayat, Tabish Hashmi and Usman Bashir, who evaluate performers with a wide range of talents.

In a recent episode of Pakistan’s Got Talent, a contestant from Karachi Yousha Hussain grabbed attention with his bold belly dance performance performance. The contestant appeared in feminine attire, wearing makeup and jewellery, and performed a belly dance to “Jey Deyo Ijazat Tey,” the OST of the Geo TV drama Shahrukh Ki Saaliyaan. The performer’s outfit also drew attention for being relatively revealing, while the overall styling and dance performance also sparked backlash. Watch the performance here.

Social media users are bashing the makers for glorifying LGBTQ on the national television of an Islamic state. One wrote, “It is LGBTQ agenda and everyone is blindly inviting the punishment of the nation of Lut. What has happened to us?” Another said, “Going good Pakistan by promoting LGBTQ! Big shame.” Another wrote, “Is this promoting LGBT?” Another wrote, “An extreme level of shamelessness. Belly dancing is only done by women, and that too in Europe wearing semi-naked clothes. Where are our Muslims heading these days? Where is their religion and faith? And what is the name? Yousha — this is the name of a prophet. Shame, shame.”