Public Outcry Leads to Removal of ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube in Pakistan

In response to a nationwide boycott campaign, the Indian serial ‘Barzakh,’ featuring a Pakistani cast and artists, has been removed from YouTube Pakistan. The series, which stirred significant controversy due to its portrayal of scenes involving homosexuality, adultery, and obscenity, faced immense public backlash.

‘Barzakh’ was initially anticipated with enthusiasm by Pakistani drama fans. However, their excitement quickly turned to disappointment and outrage following the release of the early episodes. The fantasy drama, which explores the philosophical concept of ‘Barzakh’—a transitional world for souls after death and before resurrection—drew sharp criticism for depicting a romantic relationship between two men and including scenes where children overhear sexual noises.

The controversial content sparked a widespread boycott campaign across Pakistan, with hashtags like ‘No Obscenity’ and ‘No Barzakh’ trending on social media platforms. Showbiz personalities joined the public in condemning the drama, amplifying the calls for its removal.

In response to the public outcry, Zindagi Official issued a statement acknowledging the strong sentiment among Pakistani viewers. They announced the withdrawal of ‘Barzakh’ from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024, to respect the viewers’ concerns.

Zindagi’s statement read, “We, Zindagi and team Barzakh, are deeply grateful to our global audience for their unwavering support for Barzakh—a show that was created to unite people everywhere. However, in light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have decided to withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan autonomously. This decision reflects our commitment to respect our viewers and engage them without any separation.”

The decision to remove ‘Barzakh’ underscores the significant impact of public opinion on content availability in Pakistan and highlights the importance of cultural sensitivities in media productions.

With the series now off YouTube in Pakistan, the producers have expressed their gratitude to the global audience while reiterating their commitment to respecting local viewers’ sentiments.

As the debate over ‘Barzakh’ continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of public opinion and the delicate balance content creators must maintain in diverse and culturally sensitive markets.