Fashion designer Maria B has filed a formal complaint with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ban the contentious TV drama ‘Barzakh.’
She announced the move on her Instagram, urging her followers to report the series on the PTA website.
In her post, Maria B stated, “We have taken step 1 in our strategy to combat child grooming in Pakistan. Now we all have to join forces. Go and report this content on the PTA website. We have shown you how! Together we will save our families, Insha’Allah. Stay tuned for Step 2.”
Previously, Maria B shared a video on Instagram criticizing ‘Barzakh.’ She asserted that as Muslims, they should not support what she termed propaganda promoting LGBTQ themes. She also accused the show of normalizing pre-marital sex and introducing sexual grooming themes to children.
Maria B claimed that the ‘Barzakh’ team was exploiting emotions and misleading the Muslim community for profit. She referred to a past interview with actor Fawad Khan, suggesting that media representation of gay relationships could desensitize viewers.
Directed by Asim Abbasi, ‘Barzakh’ features Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Salman Shahid, and others. The series, which intertwines mystical elements, unfolds its narrative with each episode, addressing themes of homosexuality and the afterlife. The plot revolves around a 76-year-old recluse who reconnects with his estranged family to celebrate his unconventional marriage to the spirit of his first love.
In response to criticism from a fan accusing him of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, Abbasi defended the series. He stated, “With all due respect, if you find queer/non-heteronormative storylines ‘distasteful,’ please do not watch my content. Thank you.”
‘Barzakh’ has sparked considerable backlash on social media, with many users expressing their disapproval of its themes and storyline.
