Drama Firqa e Ishq Sparks Debate On Social Media

The upcoming Pakistani series, “Firqa e Ishq,” has sparked a divisive response on the internet due to its sensitive storyline centered on a Sunni-Shia inter-sect marriage. Instead of offering a refreshing break from the often-used saas-bahu (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) narratives, many individuals have criticized the production for highlighting marriages between Shias and Sunnis, which are considered “forbidden” and discouraged by some.

Scheduled to be broadcast on the OTT platform Urduflix, “Firqa e Ishq” features Hiba Bukhari and Arsalan Naseer in lead roles. Bukhari plays a Shia woman who marries Naseer, a Sunni. The series explores the challenges faced by the couple due to societal and family pressures.

Read more : IHC Lifts Pemra’s Ban On Controversial Drama Hadsa

However, social media users have expressed their discontent with the series, with some even calling for a ban. Memes have been created, and concerns have been raised about the potential disrespect associated with scenes filmed at religious events.

آپ کے علم میں لانا چاہتا ہوں کہ یہ ایک ڈرامہ جو جلد ہی اردو فلیکس پر ریلیز ہونے والا ہے. ڈرامے کا نام فرقہ عشق ہے اس ڈرامے میں سراسر شیعت کو فروغ دیا جارہا ہے جس میں ایک سنی لڑکے کا شیعہ لڑکی سے نکاح جائز دکھایا جارہا ہے اور کافی سارے کام جو اسلام میں جائز نہیں وہ دکھائے جائیں… pic.twitter.com/M8kVv6Nnn7

— عبدالسلام راکٹی (@Iam_Rakiti) September 27, 2023

A new Web Series “Firqa e Ishaq” will be released soon, where Arslan Naseer playing a role of Sunni boy and Hiba Bukhari shown as Shia girl, the main plot of the drama is Shia/Sunni marriages. Shadi is the favourite topic of our society and that too of Shia Sunni lot more to come… pic.twitter.com/lvHgLqHMJv

— Syed Zaighum Kazmi (@syedzaighum110) September 25, 2023

One user on a platform called X criticized the series for promoting Shia beliefs and making Sunni-Shia marriage appear permissible in Islam. Another user defended inter-sect marriages, stating that they are permissible among Muslims and People of the Book.

A new Web Series “Firqa e Ishaq” will be released soon, where Arslan Naseer playing a role of Sunni boy and Hiba Bukhari shown as Shia girl, the main plot of the drama is Shia/Sunni marriages. Shadi is the favourite topic of our society and that too of Shia Sunni lot more to come… pic.twitter.com/lvHgLqHMJv

— Syed Zaighum Kazmi (@syedzaighum110) September 25, 2023

In response to the criticism, a sarcastic comment suggested that the controversy was providing free publicity for the drama.

This is not the first time a Pakistani television series has faced controversy for its plotline. Previously, the drama “Hadsa” featuring Hadiqa Kiani was banned for its alleged misrepresentation of a sexual assault victim and promotion of victim-blaming.