In a surprising turn of events, the team of Zee Zindagi has announced that they will be deleting their latest series, Barzakh, from YouTube Pakistan from August 9, 2024.
The decision was made mutually between the team Zindagi and team Barzakh to remove the series due to the controversial statements of the public for its content which has been a topic of heated debate since its debut two weeks ago.
The final episode of Barzakh is scheduled to air tonight at 8 pm. Fans in Pakistan who wish to catch up on the series have until August 9 to view it on YouTube.
Taking to their official Instagram page, Zee Zindagi has expressed their gratitude to all the fans who liked the show.
Zee announced that they honor their viewers and do not want to cause alienation.
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 honoring our audiences without causing alienation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. Thank You.”
The public thought that normalizing queerness is not something they want to see in the media while many were concerned about children consuming such content.
Actresses Mishi Khan and the popular Pakistani designer Maria B also raised their concerns about the content of the series based on queer themes and homosexuality. Maria B also said she would file a case on it.
Actress Rubina Ashraf and Nadia Khan defended it saying dramas are always scripted based on what actually happening in our society in reality so we should talk about it, why ride it?
Nadia Khan had given her own explanation of what Barzakh is and why it is a must-watch for the audience. She ended up receiving backlash for supporting Barzakh.
She said that Barzakh is a relief and much more than your typical family drama 'saas, bahu wala concept' as it's a refreshing change offering a unique escape. She also shares why it might not be for everyone.
This is what Nadia had to say:
Raja Zia ul Haq had something to say about what Nadia Khan thinks about Barzakh. He made a detailed video and analyzed everything that Nadia said. He shared that the basic concept of Barzakh which Nadia has applauded is shown wrong in the show. We do not believe that people can come back after death or there is a whole new place where they go. This concept is wrong in its entirety.
He also spoke about Nadia’s stance that the series is made openly as International rules applied to it and not PEMRA’s and this made Barzakh more exciting. He had issues with this statement and here is what he said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxupTXAZI_I&t=1696s
Earlier, Asim Abbasi, the director and producer of the series earlier upon receiving hate for the show, said, “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.”