Social media critic and drama commentator Dr Ejaz Waris has criticised alcohol portrayals in Pakistani television dramas. His comments came after a recent episode of Nashtar featured Danish Taimoor’s character drinking alcohol.
Ejaz shared a clip from the episode on his Instagram account. The scene showed Danish’s character holding and consuming alcohol.
The portrayal prompted Ejaz to question the creative decision. He also questioned its connection with the character’s glamorous image.
“I was just watching the episode of Nashtar aur aap logon ne hero ko sharab ke saath link karke glamour ka ek quotient shamil kar diya hai. Kya sabit karna chahte hain hum log?” he said.
Dr Ejaz Waris Urges Production Houses to Rethink Alcohol Scenes
Ejaz urged Pakistani production houses to reconsider alcohol portrayals on television. He particularly questioned scenes that connect drinking with status, sophistication or power.
“Please stop showing alcohol as a status symbol in dramas. Ye request hai meri production houses se,” he said.
He also referred to the religious prohibition of alcohol in Islam. Furthermore, he questioned why such imagery should receive prominence on national television.
According to Ejaz, the scene becomes more concerning because of the character’s overall portrayal.
The hero appears distressed and tense during the storyline. He also seeks revenge while alcohol appears in his hands.
Ejaz believes such creative choices can unintentionally connect drinking with power or glamour.
Debate Over Alcohol in Pakistani Dramas
The criticism has renewed a wider discussion about sensitive themes in Pakistani dramas.
Viewers have increasingly discussed the portrayal of alcohol, smoking and aggressive behaviour on television.
Some audiences believe dramas sometimes use these elements to portray wealth or influence. Others argue that such portrayals can help establish a character’s personality and struggles.
The debate also extends to the possible influence of such scenes on impressionable viewers.
Meanwhile, some viewers have called for greater scrutiny of culturally sensitive themes on television. Discussions have also included the role of regulatory authorities such as PEMRA.
Viewers Defend Danish Taimoor
However, some viewers clarified that Danish Taimoor should not face criticism over the scene.
One viewer argued that the creative decision belongs to the production team.
“Lekin Danish Taimoor ki koi ghalati nahi hai, ye toh production house ki ghalti hai na,” the viewer commented.
Danish’s fans also came forward to defend the actor.
One supporter wrote, “DT ko kuch mat bola karo, DT star hai Pakistan ka.”
The comments showed that viewers remain divided over responsibility for controversial scenes.
Some placed responsibility on production teams and creative decisions. Others focused on the broader impact of such portrayals.
Viewers Ask Ejaz to Address Smoking
The discussion also moved beyond alcohol.
Some viewers urged Ejaz to address smoking in Pakistani dramas as well.
One commenter wrote, “Smoking par bhi baat kare.”
The response reflects the wider debate surrounding the portrayal of potentially harmful habits on television.
For some viewers, the issue involves more than one specific scene. Instead, they want dramas to consider how sensitive habits shape character images.
Debate Over Sensitive Themes Continues
The controversy has once again raised questions about sensitive portrayals in Pakistani television dramas.
Alcohol, smoking and aggressive behaviour can become part of a character’s identity. However, their presentation can also influence how audiences interpret that character.
In Nashtar, the alcohol scene has therefore prompted discussion about characterisation and creative choices.
Ejaz’s criticism focuses on the connection between alcohol and glamour. Meanwhile, viewers have raised different opinions about who should be held responsible.
The discussion also highlights the expectations audiences place on Pakistani television.
As debates over sensitive themes continue, viewers remain divided over how such elements should appear in dramas.
The controversy surrounding Nashtar has consequently opened another conversation about television storytelling.
It has also raised questions about whether alcohol should be used to portray status, power or emotional distress in Pakistani dramas.
