Many controversial Pakistani dramas portray themes considered sensitive and controversial in Pakistan, often dealing with adultery, inter-personal relationships such as love triangles, extra marital affairs, pre-marital sex (and its consequences), same-gender relations etc. doing well yet causing uproar with mixed to negative reviews from the audiences or jam packed at regulatory bodies due their content themselves) While “Udaari” (2016) called out child sexual abuse which was considered taboo.

It also faced the ire of conservatives and a PEMRA notice for being against broadcasting laws. The drama, however, won critical acclaim for its topicality and daring as it opened up a much-needed debate on the subject otherwise swept under carpet. Similarly, “Mere Paas Tum Ho” (2019), the highest viewed special of all time was condemned for regressing some patriarchy under a aftertaste back it seemed to criticism and misogynistic dialogues that acquainted with abounding watchers,normalized macho convoy values. Also, ” Jalan “Air (2020) about a woman who had an illicit affair with her brother’s wife was criticized for glorifying immoral behavior so that it triggered the prohibition of broadcasting temporarily due to protests by many because the storyline is controversial.

Some of the other dramas also came under fire for their depiction of intricate, and sometimes problematic, relationships. Earlier, the serial Pyar Ke Sadqay (2020) received flak for showing an improper relationship between a mature guy and his stepdaughter that choked most viewers with panic of whether or not similar dramas would drive open doors to encourage this kind of ruinous behaviors.

In 2017, “Alif Allah Aur Insaan” became the subject of controversy for its depiction of trans representation and religious beliefs that some deemed polarizing as miscommunicated or even represented in bad taste. In 2020, the drama “Ishqiya,” likewise faced backlash over its storyline that certain viewers maintained glamorized abusive relationships and idealised revenge, entering a discussion of how these things would influence notions within society surrounding romance as well as morality. On the other hand, “Khaani” (2017), despite its popularity, was accused of romanticizing crime by attempting to humanize a murderer, which many found troubling.

More controversial were the dramas that tried to make a point about social issues. While some celebrated the courage to address critical social issues, others criticized it as not family-friendly enough for general audiences: “Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi” (2021) on child trafficking and abuse and forced marriages came under scrutiny when PEMRA issued a notice that TNI had violated its code; and The telefilm Aisi Hai Tanhai (2017) dealt with cyber harassment and social stigma involving the victims, it was hailed as reflecting reality yet strongly condemned for high voltage content. The series of dramas highlight the enduring struggle between storytelling and societal norms in Pakistani television, particularly the need to strike a balance between raising awareness but also staying true to cultural sensitivities.

Here’s a list of some of the most controversial Pakistani dramas that sparked debates, criticism, or faced negative reception due to their themes, content, or portrayal of sensitive issues:

1. “Udaari” (2016)

• Controversy: “Udaari” faced backlash for its portrayal of child sexual abuse, a sensitive topic rarely discussed openly on Pakistani television. Some believed the drama crossed cultural boundaries, while others praised it for bringing attention to a critical social issue.
• Negative Reception: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a notice against the drama, claiming it violated broadcasting laws. However, the show was also lauded for breaking taboos and starting a necessary conversation.

2. “Mere Paas Tum Ho” (2019)

• Controversy: The drama was controversial due to its portrayal of a woman’s infidelity and the use of certain dialogues that were considered misogynistic and degrading to women.
• Negative Reception: While the show was a massive hit in terms of viewership, many criticized it for promoting patriarchal values and negative stereotypes about women. Some of its dialogues sparked social media outrage.

3. “Jalan” (2020)

• Controversy: “Jalan” was criticized for its storyline, which featured a woman pursuing her brother-in-law, causing outrage over the depiction of immoral and unethical relationships.
• Negative Reception: Due to public backlash, PEMRA issued warnings and temporarily banned the show, citing violations of moral codes and indecency.

4. “Pyar Ke Sadqay” (2020)

• Controversy: The show faced backlash for its portrayal of a relationship between an older man and his stepdaughter, which was seen as inappropriate and promoting problematic behavior.
• Negative Reception: While it gained popularity, many viewers found certain plot points disturbing and inappropriate for a family audience.

5. “Alif Allah Aur Insaan” (2017)

• Controversy: The drama was criticized for its depiction of a transgender character and the way certain religious and spiritual aspects were handled.
• Negative Reception: Some viewers and religious groups felt the show misrepresented religious concepts and promoted a problematic portrayal of marginalized communities.

6. “Ishqiya” (2020)

• Controversy: “Ishqiya” was criticized for normalizing toxic relationships and portraying emotional manipulation and revenge in romantic relationships.
• Negative Reception: The drama faced criticism for promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics and was seen as glorifying revenge and misogyny.

7. “Khaani” (2017)

• Controversy: “Khaani” dealt with the controversial topic of a wealthy man’s obsession with a middle-class girl whose brother he had murdered. The drama was accused of romanticizing crime and glorifying a murderer.
• Negative Reception: While popular among audiences, the drama was criticized for sending a problematic message by attempting to redeem the villainous character.

8. “Dil Na Umeed Toh Nahi” (2021)

• Controversy: The drama tackled various social issues, including child trafficking, sexual abuse, and forced marriage, which made it controversial.
• Negative Reception: It faced scrutiny from PEMRA, which considered the drama to be depicting inappropriate content, although it also received praise for raising awareness on crucial social issues.

9. “Aisi Hai Tanhai” (2017)

• Controversy: Focused on the issue of cyber harassment and the social stigmatization of victims, the show stirred debates about its depiction of women’s struggles and societal response.
• Negative Reception: The drama was considered controversial for its intense content and was criticized for handling the topic of cyber harassment and victim-blaming.

10. “Cheekh” (2019)

• Controversy: “Cheekh” highlighted issues of sexual assault, justice, and patriarchy. It faced criticism for its depiction of legal procedures and the handling of sensitive topics.
• Negative Reception: Despite a generally positive reception for addressing crucial issues, some viewers criticized the unrealistic portrayal of the legal system and excessive dramatization.

11. “Tere Bin” (2023)

became one of the most controversial Pakistani dramas of recent times, despite its immense popularity and high viewership. The controversy primarily stemmed from a specific plot twist in which the lead male character, Murtasim, is implied to have forced himself on the female lead, Meerab, following a heated argument. This implied marital rape scene was heavily criticized for its insensitivity and perceived glamorization of non-consensual sexual relations within marriage, an issue that is often downplayed in South Asian societies.

The backlash on social media was immediate, with viewers expressing their outrage at the drama’s portrayal of marital dynamics and gender roles. Critics argued that the show, which initially drew audiences in with its engaging chemistry and romantic tension between the leads, took a problematic turn by introducing such a controversial and disturbing scene. Many felt that the drama’s treatment of the sensitive subject was careless and potentially harmful, perpetuating dangerous stereotypes about male entitlement and female submission in marriage.

Also Read: List of Wahaj Ali Best Dramas

In response to the criticism, the production team attempted to clarify the narrative direction, suggesting that the scene was open to interpretation and not explicitly showing any assault. However, this explanation did little to quell the backlash, with many viewers feeling that the damage had already been done. Despite the controversy, “Tere Bin” continued to draw high ratings, reflecting a divide in audience reception where some viewers continued to enjoy the drama for its romance and plot twists, while others condemned it for its problematic portrayal of consent and gender dynamics.