Introduction
The Pakistani drama industry has long been admired for its emotionally charged storytelling and reflection of cultural values. However, the new television serial Parwarish has ignited controversy, facing widespread backlash for its portrayal of underage romance and questionable parenting ethics. While the show initially garnered attention for its promising title and powerful cast, critics and viewers alike are now questioning whether Parwarish is doing justice to the very concept it claims to uphold—child upbringing.
The Premise of Parwarish
Parwarish presents a modern-day family setup with adolescent characters exploring identity, relationships, and parental dynamics. The drama follows a middle-class family trying to raise teenagers in a digital age filled with peer pressure, academic challenges, and emotional confusion. However, instead of offering guidance or moral lessons, the drama often romanticizes immature decisions, leading many to believe it is undermining core family values.
The story takes an especially problematic turn as it highlights a romantic relationship between underage characters with little to no parental supervision. This narrative has left audiences questioning the creators’ responsibility toward shaping public perception—especially among impressionable viewers.
Backlash on Social Media
Within just a few weeks of airing, Parwarish has been trending on social media—but not for good reasons. Parents, educators, and cultural critics have called out the show for glorifying teenage romance and showing parents as either overly lenient or entirely absent from their children’s emotional growth. Critics argue that such portrayal can send misleading messages to young viewers, making them believe that rebellion, secrecy, and emotional manipulation are acceptable behaviors.
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On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, hashtags like #BanParwarish and #FixPakistaniDramas have emerged, pushing the debate into the national spotlight. Many netizens have expressed concern that Parwarish glamorizes poor communication between parents and children, which can be detrimental in real-life scenarios.
The Responsibility of Content Creators
When a drama is titled Parwarish, the audience naturally expects meaningful insights into parenting styles, generational gaps, and family development. Unfortunately, the drama seems to take a more sensationalist approach. Rather than fostering discussions about emotional intelligence or family cohesion, it leans heavily into controversial elements for viewership ratings.
Content creators have an undeniable influence on society, especially in Pakistan where television dramas are consumed widely across all age groups. Many argue that a drama like Parwarish should aim to educate as much as it entertains. In a country where many young people already struggle with understanding boundaries and emotional regulation, misrepresenting adolescent issues can lead to harmful real-life consequences.
A Missed Opportunity for Positive Impact
One of the most disappointing aspects of Parwarish is the missed opportunity to use its platform for positive social change. With a well-structured storyline and responsible writing, the show could have been a guiding light for both parents and teenagers navigating complex life stages. Instead, the show trivializes serious issues like underage love, mental health struggles, and communication breakdowns in families.
For example, scenes that should have shown parental intervention in teenage issues are often brushed off or treated with comic relief. The lack of accountability for young characters and the absence of mature role models weaken the overall narrative and dilute the show’s potential for impact.
Viewer Reactions and Ratings
Despite the controversy, Parwarish continues to gain high viewership ratings—highlighting a paradox. While many criticize the show, the curiosity it sparks keeps audiences coming back. However, TV ratings do not necessarily reflect moral or educational quality. Many viewers admit they watch the show more out of disbelief and critique rather than genuine admiration.
Even parenting groups and educational forums have weighed in, with some even submitting complaints to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), urging stricter content regulations for shows dealing with sensitive topics like teenage development and parenting.
Statements from the Cast and Crew
The producers of Parwarish have responded to the criticism with a degree of defensiveness, claiming that the show is simply a “mirror of society” and that viewers should not expect idealistic portrayals from every story. However, this explanation has not resonated with critics who argue that realism should not equate to irresponsibility.
Some cast members, particularly those playing parental roles, have attempted to clarify their characters’ actions in interviews, stating that later episodes will provide redemption arcs and stronger messages. Whether those promises will be fulfilled remains to be seen.
Cultural Sensitivity and Drama Ethics
In Pakistani society, where media often plays a role in defining cultural and moral norms, dramas like Parwarish must tread carefully. Romanticizing underage relationships can have a serious impact, especially in rural or conservative households where parents might not have the tools to interpret or counter such narratives.
It’s vital that television producers approach sensitive subjects with nuance, responsibility, and foresight. There’s a thin line between storytelling and cultural distortion, and critics believe Parwarish has crossed that line.
Conclusion
Parwarish, despite its catchy title and strong performances, has fallen short of delivering the meaningful content that its name implies. By promoting underage romance and weak parenting values, the drama risks influencing young minds in the wrong direction. While creative freedom is essential, so is ethical responsibility—especially when the subject matter involves vulnerable age groups and critical life lessons.
It’s not too late for the makers of Parwarish to pivot the narrative in a more constructive direction. The drama has the platform, the audience, and the potential. What it now needs is a sense of accountability to live up to its name.
