The web series Barzakh has ended, but the drama surrounding the project hasn’t stopped. Zindagi announced that they would take the show off YouTube Pakistan on August 9 because of a controversy over its ‘inappropriate’ content.
After the announcement, designer Maria B threatened to take the ‘Barzakh’ team to court for promoting what she called ‘provocative’ themes.
In response, rapper Ali Gul Pir pointed out that ‘Barzakh’ is an Indian production. He questioned whether Maria B would take similar legal action against other international shows like Game of Thrones, which also has controversial content.
Gul Pir, on his Instagram stories, said we have bigger problems to worry about, such as lack of education and inflation. “There are many things on the internet, on YouTube. We faced a YouTube ban for three years before. This [Barzakh] is an Indian product. Your actors acted in it, but it’s an international project. You cannot ban everything on the internet,” he said.
Gul Pir explained that banning things often makes them more popular. Instead, people should simply not watch what they don’t like. “You don’t have to watch these things. I didn’t even know about this drama until you made it famous. There are many actors who, if you don’t like them, don’t watch their stuff. But banning everything is not the solution.”
The rapper added that Pakistanis often misdirect their anger and do not criticize the poor condition of government hospitals or lack of education.
“Unfortunately, we are here while the world has progressed. No outrage over our performance at the Olympics or the state of Jinnah Hospital. But a drama? Court! The whole country gets outraged over a drama. There is no outrage over lack of education, but mention sex and everyone is outraged!”
On Tuesday, after Zindagi’s announcement to take down Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, the show’s director, Asim Abbasi, said he supports the decision to protect his team’s safety.
