Zindagi decides to 'remove' Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan after public backlash

Indian platform Zindagi has decided to remove its controversial series Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan after facing intense public backlash.

The series, directed and written by Asim Abbasi, was launched on July 19 on the OTT platform Zee5 and the YouTube channel Zindagi.

The online drama stars Fawad Khan alongside Sanam Saeed and includes Khushhal Khan, Uzma Beg, and Salman Shahid as actors.

The series also features two men engaging in an intimate moment, which has sparked outrage among netizens who deem it against "Islamic teachings".

Later, writer Abbasi also defended the alleged promotion of homosexuality in the series by advising people to refrain from watching the show.

“With all due respect, if you find queer/non-heteronormative storylines distasteful, please do not watch my content,” he stated on his Instagram story.

Asim asserted that he would continue to “champion the rights for all and tell stories” that he believed in.

However, the Indian channel has decided to voluntarily withdraw the series from YouTube Pakistan.

In a statement issued on Instagram, the show's creators expressed their gratitude to their global audience while acknowledging the need to respect local sentiments.

“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." the team stated.

"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 honouring our audiences without causing alienation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. Thank You,” it added.

The last episode of the show is set to air on Zindagi's channel today (August 6) at 8pm.