Barzakh, Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed’s much-awaited drama, is facing an unforeseen problem. Since its debut the drama has received a huge amount of attention and appreciation. As a result, it will no longer be available in Pakistan on YouTube starting 9th August, 2024. This is due to a backlash against the show for portraying same-gender love.
Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed starrer Barzakh to be pulled from Pakistani YouTube amid controversy surrounding queer love plotline
Zindagi and the Barzakh team thanked their fans globally in a statement dated August 6, 2024. They understood that the prevailing circumstances in Pakistan are not conducive and opted not to force it further.
“The entire team at Zindagi & Team Barzakh express our heartfelt thanks to our worldwide audience who have stood with us through thick and thin in making this show what it is today – one that unites all people across all boundaries. However, given the mood of the public in Pakistan right now, we have decided as creators of the show to remove Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan voluntarily with effect from August 9th, 2024. By doing so we affirm our commitment to respecting our audiences without isolating them,” read part of the statement.
Barzakh was directed by Asim Abbasi and produced for streaming service Zee5. The third episode of this series has attracted a lot of criticism since its release date. For some sections of Pakistani society, Barzakh has become controversial because it contravenes Islamic conventions according to its critics. Fans were outraged by leading personalities within Pakistan entertainment industry who called for banning or boycotting stars involved in this project.
Through magical realism elements mixed with supernatural fantasy at family reunions; Barzakh is set amongst such a backdrop as Hunza Valley which juxtaposed mundane meets extraordinary situations. In this case, an old man of 76 years shocks his children and grandchildren when he tells them about getting married to his first love’s ghost.
This triggers emotional revelations and confrontations amongst the family members. Who have gathered not sure whether they should celebrate or stop it. As shown in the trailer, Barzakh seamlessly interweaves local lore against the magnificent backdrop of Hunza Valley showing a mystical world. Where everyone is related to each other. Amidst the chaos, one question remains unanswered-Will love last after everything has decayed?
Barzakh is produced by Waqas Hassan and Shailja Kejriwal. Other cast members are Salman Shahid, Fawad M Khan, Khushhal Khan and Sajid Hasan among others. The series will air its finale on August 6th 2024.
