The controversy stems from Episode 20 of Zabt, where actress Sara Ejaz’s character, shown in a state of extreme anger and emotional breakdown, starts hurling books off a shelf in her room. Viewers noticed that one of the books being thrown appeared to be an Islamic Studies textbook, with imagery linked to holy sites on its cover. Scroll down to find more details.
Why was the scene called offensive?
Screenshots and clips shared online suggest that the book featured religious content and that Quranic verses and Hadith may have been visible when the pages fell open on the floor. Many users condemned the depiction as deeply disrespectful, arguing that a religious text should never have been used in such a scene, even in a fictional context.
Take a look below:
How did Geo TV respond?
As backlash grew and hashtags around Zabt trended, Geo Entertainment removed Episode 20 from its official YouTube channel. The move was seen as an attempt to contain the situation, but it has not fully calmed public anger, with many viewers now demanding a formal, public apology from the channel’s management.
What are people demanding?
Some conservative groups and social media users have urged Pakistan’s media regulator PEMRA to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. More broadly, audiences are calling for TV channels and drama makers to show greater care when handling religious imagery and themes, including stricter review and editing processes for potentially sensitive scenes.
Who is Sara Ejaz?
Sara Ejaz, the actress at the centre of the scene, is known in Pakistani television for her supporting roles, with Zabt giving her wider recognition. While her performance in the show has been appreciated, commentators now worry that the controversy could affect her rising career, even though the creative choices behind the scene likely rested with the production team rather than the performer alone.