Geo TV’s drama Nashtar has sparked debate after a recent episode showed its lead character, Shah Dawood, consuming alcohol, drawing criticism from viewers who say such scenes undermine cultural and religious values, it was reported on October 25, 2026.
What happened?
In the episode, Shah Dawood, played by Danish Taimoor, is shown drinking alcohol as he contemplates his relationship with Bareera, whom he married by force. The scene quickly became a talking point on social media, with viewers questioning why alcohol keeps appearing in Pakistani dramas and whether it risks normalising drinking for young audiences.
Key details
- Nashtar is written by Maha Malik and directed by Seraj Ul Haq, and produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi.
- The cast includes Anmol Baloch, Danish Taimoor, Usman Peerzada, Haroon Shahid, Mahmood Aslam and Ramsha Salahuddin.
- Geo TV has aired 23 episodes of the drama so far.
- Viewers criticised the scene in strong terms, with one writing that drinking is haram in Islam and that such scenes can misguide the youth, and another asking why the same emotions could not have been portrayed without alcohol.
- Even fans of Danish Taimoor voiced surprise at his character engaging in drinking.
- It is not the first time the show’s portrayal of alcohol has drawn criticism from viewers and drama commentators.
What it means for people in Pakistan
For viewers, the backlash reflects a long-running tension in prime-time drama: the balance between realistic, flawed characters and the values audiences expect on national television. For makers, the reaction is a signal that a single scene can overshadow an entire episode’s story, and that audiences are watching creative choices as closely as the plot itself.
Source: https://reviewit.pk/nashtar-criticized-for-promoting-alcohol/
