Geo faces fresh backlash over ‘Zabt’ Episode 20 scene amid ongoing scrutiny after Muharram broadcast controversy

• A scene from Episode 20 of Geo’s drama Zabt has sparked widespread criticism after a book titled “Islamic Studies,” featuring an image resembling Masjid-e-Nabawi, was shown being thrown to the floor.
• Many social media users said the scene amounted to disrespect toward an Islamic Studies book, which would ordinarily contain Quranic verses, Hadith and other Islamic teachings.
• Neither Geo nor the drama’s producers have issued an official statement addressing the controversy.

Geo has once again come under criticism on social media after a scene from Episode 20 of its drama Zabt, aired on Har Pal Geo, triggered widespread backlash, adding to the scrutiny the network has faced following its recent 10th Muharram transmission controversy.

The controversy stems from a scene in which a female character, portrayed in an emotional state, throws several books from a bookshelf onto the floor. Viewers quickly noticed that one of the books was titled “Islamic Studies” and featured an image resembling Masjid-e-Nabawi on its cover. Clips of the scene rapidly spread across social media, prompting criticism from many users who described the portrayal as disrespectful.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pakistan Times (@pakistantimesdotcom)

Many social media users argued that an Islamic Studies textbook would ordinarily contain Quranic verses, Hadith and other Islamic teachings, making the scene particularly sensitive. The incident led to widespread calls for broadcasters and production houses to exercise greater care and respect when depicting religious books and Islamic material in television productions.

The latest backlash comes only days after Geo faced widespread criticism over content aired during its special 10th Muharram transmission. The broadcaster later apologized, describing that incident as an unintentional editorial error, while announcing an internal inquiry and stricter editorial review procedures.

Following the Zabt scene, many users linked the two controversies and questioned whether the repeated incidents pointed to shortcomings in editorial oversight and quality control. Others maintained that the scene should be viewed within the context of a fictional drama, although they also agreed that greater care should be taken when religious material appears on screen.

Also Read

Pakistan rejects any illegal diversion of water share, Ishaq Dar reiterates

Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Indus Waters Treaty, vows to protect water rights

Electricity prices likely to rise as CPPA seeks 82 paisa per unit hike

Pakistan Digital Authority to oversee data governance under proposed national policy