Saba Qamar faces backlash over bold scene in ‘Pamaal’
The latest Pamaal episode stirred controversy after a viral scene featuring Saba Qamar and Usman Mukhtar ignited widespread debate.
Islamabad: Pamaal, starring powerhouse performers Saba Qamar and Usman Mukhtar, has become one of the most talked-about Pakistani dramas of 2025. With its gripping plot, emotional depth and standout acting, the show has kept audiences hooked week after week. Its popularity has even crossed borders—Bollywood legend Johnny Lever recently revealed that he has been watching the drama with great interest, calling it one of the most engaging shows he has seen lately.
But while Pamaal has been widely praised, the drama has now landed in the spotlight for an entirely different reason—one that has sparked a wave of criticism and public debate.
The most recent episode aired on Green Entertainment went viral after a sensitive emotional moment between the lead characters, Malika (played by Saba Qamar) and Raza (played by Usman Mukhtar), drew sharp reactions on social media. In the scene, Malika rushes to the hospital after learning about her husband’s condition. Devastated and overwhelmed, she breaks down beside his bed and hugs him—a scene meant to portray reconciliation, regret, and the unconditional bond between a married couple trying to mend their relationship.
However, what was intended as a heartfelt moment quickly turned into fuel for controversy.
Some social media users felt the scene showed “too much intimacy” for a Pakistani drama. One netizen commented, “Shame on the director for showing this much intimacy on screen.” Another expressed disappointment specifically directed at the actors: “We didn’t expect this from Usman Mukhtar. Saba Qamar has always been this bold.”
The flood of comments has ignited a larger conversation around what is acceptable in mainstream Pakistani television, especially when it comes to portraying relationships realistically. Supporters of the show argue that the backlash is disproportionate, considering the scene did not cross any explicit boundaries and simply depicted a wife comforting her injured husband. Critics, however, believe such portrayals challenge cultural norms and should be handled cautiously.
This is far from the first time Saba Qamar has found herself at the centre of such debates. Known for headlining strong, often challenging roles in critically acclaimed dramas like Baaghi, Cheekh and Mrs. & Mr. Shameem, she has consistently pushed creative boundaries. Her willingness to take on bold or emotionally demanding characters has earned her immense admiration—but also frequent criticism from more conservative audiences.
Her co-star Usman Mukhtar, on the other hand, is usually associated with more reserved and subtle roles. Seeing him participate in a scene charged with emotional intensity and physical closeness surprised many viewers who were not expecting this side of his performance. Some fans defended him, saying the scene was artistically justified and beautifully executed, while others questioned his decision.
Despite the uproar, the makers of Pamaal have not commented publicly on the controversy. Industry insiders note that the storyline has always been emotionally layered and that moments like this are essential to the character arcs. For many viewers, the debate reflects a broader cultural conversation about how Pakistani dramas should evolve in portraying real human relationships—especially marital ones—without sensationalism.
As for Saba and Usman, their performances continue to be widely praised, and Pamaal shows no signs of slowing down in popularity. Whether the controversy fades or grows in the coming days, one thing is certain: the drama has once again sparked conversation, reaffirming its position as one of the most influential shows of the year.