Pakistani drama Parwarish has stirred a wave of controversy after a brief scene in a recent episode featured a rainbow-colored heart — a symbol widely associated with LGBTQ+ pride. The show, which airs on ARY Digital, quickly came under fire from viewers who called the scene “un-Islamic” and accused the producers of pushing a hidden agenda.
While the creators have remained silent, the public reaction has been anything but. The incident has sparked discussions across Pakistani media, social networks, and regulatory forums about cultural boundaries and media responsibility.
What Happened in Parwarish?
In Episode 31, lead character Wali performs at a café. In the background, a rainbow-colored heart poster appears briefly on the wall. The visual lasted just seconds — but for many, it was enough to spark outrage.
Actor Abul Hasan (playing Sameer) later posted a picture beside the same poster on Instagram, reinforcing perceptions that the symbol was intentionally placed.
Public Reaction: “They Are Normalizing It”
Social media exploded with criticism. Viewers labeled the scene as offensive to Islamic and cultural values. Hashtags like #BoycottParwarish and #LGBTQAgenda trended on Twitter (X) and Instagram.
“I was enjoying the show, but this scene changed everything. They’re trying to influence our youth.” — Viewer comment, Dunya News
“Openly promoting LGBT is an ALARMING SITUATION!” — Viral tweet via Siasat
Many accused the producers of sneaking in Western ideology under the guise of family drama, with some demanding the drama be pulled off-air.
PEMRA: Silence Amid Pressure
Despite online calls for action, PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) has not issued any formal notice or taken action against the drama. This has left conservative audiences even more frustrated, with repeated social media posts tagging the regulator and demanding censorship.
What Did the Creators Say?
Absolutely nothing. As of now, the production house, lead writer, and cast have not addressed the controversy publicly. The silence has only fueled more speculation and anger online.
“So far, the creators haven’t said a word. That silence speaks volumes.” — Brandsynario
Why LGBTQ Themes Remain Taboo in Pakistani Media
Same-sex representation is still a red line in Pakistan’s media. Any hint of LGBTQ themes — even a symbolic one — is seen by many as unacceptable.
Past examples include:
- Joyland (2022) — faced a ban before eventual release.
- Churails (2020) — blocked in Pakistan after LGBTQ content.
- Barzakh (2024) — pulled from YouTube following gay romance backlash.
In this climate, even a background poster can ignite national debate.
Conclusion: A Cultural Flashpoint
The Parwarish incident underscores how sensitive LGBTQ-related content remains in Pakistan. Whether the scene was intentional or not, the public response reflects broader tensions between modern storytelling and cultural conservatism.
Until meaningful conversations happen around representation and censorship, even the smallest symbols will continue to spark the biggest controversies.
