TV drama *Barzakh* removed from YouTube in Pakistan. What went wrong with Fawad Khan’s Pakistani drama?

The boycott against the Indian serial “Barzakh,” featuring a Pakistani cast, has led to its removal from YouTube in Pakistan. Initially anticipated by fans, the show became controversial due to its portrayal of homosexuality, adultery, and other content considered inappropriate by many in Pakistan.

The show, which explores themes of life after death in a fantasy setting, sparked outrage for its depiction of a romantic relationship between two men and scenes involving sexual content overheard by children.

In response to the backlash, a nationwide boycott campaign was launched, with social media flooded with hashtags like “No Obscenity” and “No Barzakh.” The controversy also drew criticism from Pakistani showbiz figures. Following this public outcry, Zindagi Official, the platform airing the show, announced on August 9, 2024, that they would withdraw “Barzakh” from YouTube in Pakistan. This decision underscores the significant impact of public sentiment on media content in the country.