Veteran Pakistani actor and screenwriter Muhammad Ahmed has revisited a controversial chapter of his early career, revealing how his telefilm Aurat led Pakistan Television (PTV) to bar him from writing scripts for the broadcaster. Although the project faced criticism over its sensitive themes, its later success on NTM became a turning point in his writing journey.
How ‘Aurat’ Brought Muhammad Ahmed Into Controversy
Speaking on Moneeza Hashmi’s YouTube show Tum Jo Chaho To Suno, Ahmed recalled that Aurat faced strong objections because of its subject matter. However, the project eventually found an audience on NTM and helped strengthen his reputation as a screenwriter.
Ahmed is also recognised for acting in popular Pakistani dramas, including Suno Chanda, Ehd-e-Wafa, Mere Paas Tum Ho and Kuch Ankahi. Alongside his acting career, he has written several television serials. Nevertheless, his early experience with Aurat brought an unexpected setback.
Before entering television writing, Ahmed wrote a stage play for classical dancer and activist Sheema Kirmani. Sheema liked the script and passed it to Khalid Ahmed for consideration. However, Khalid reportedly felt the story presented issues in overly black-and-white terms and might not work for television.
Despite these reservations, the script eventually reached producer Ghazanfar Ali, who took the project forward.
Why PTV Objected to the Telefilm
Ahmed explained that Aurat became his first telefilm, but its bold subject matter created difficulties for the production. At the time, PTV considered the themes too sensitive for its programming, leading to an official notice that barred Ahmed from writing scripts for the network in the future.
The controversy also extended beyond the broadcaster. According to Ahmed, the production attracted objections from members of the National Assembly, highlighting the resistance the project encountered over its subject matter.
However, the ban did not prevent viewers from watching the telefilm. Instead, Aurat found another platform and went on to receive a strong response.
How NTM Changed the Direction of His Career
Ahmed recalled that NTM aired Aurat for six consecutive days, giving the production considerable exposure. He described its success as a defining moment that changed the course of his career and helped establish him as a writer.
The telefilm explored difficult social realities, including how social pressure could push a woman towards prostitution. It also addressed halala, a sensitive subject associated with marriage and divorce in Muslim communities.
These themes were considered taboo at the time, so the creative team tried to approach them carefully through storytelling. Nevertheless, the subject matter drew criticism and contributed to the difficulties Ahmed faced with PTV.
He also remembered Khalid Ahmed’s disappointment after the project triggered trouble with the broadcaster. According to Muhammad Ahmed, Khalid felt let down because he had trusted him with the play, only to face consequences following its production.
Muhammad Ahmed Steps Away From Television Writing
Looking back on his career, Ahmed said he has moved away from writing television scripts. He explained that he no longer feels able to create the kind of content currently appearing on television.
His experience with Aurat remains a significant episode in his professional journey. While the controversy closed the door to writing for PTV at that stage, the telefilm’s success on NTM helped him gain recognition as a screenwriter.
The story also reflects the challenges faced by writers who explore sensitive social issues through television drama, particularly when their work challenges the boundaries of what audiences and broadcasters consider acceptable.
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