A new controversy has started in Pakistan’s showbiz industry. Digital creator and actor Tamkenat Mansoor has asked for a ban on Syed Bilal Qutab, a well-known TV host and Sufi scholar.
Bilal Qutab worked at Samaa TV for many years. Now he hosts a show on Aik News, where he talks about social problems using Islamic teachings.
A clip from his recent show went viral on social media. In the clip, a woman called the show and said her husband gets angry quickly and uses abusive language. She said she has been living at her father’s house for six months because of this. She asked what she should do.
Bilal Qutab told her that leaving her husband was the wrong choice. He said she should not make a hasty decision and should go back to her husband. He also told her to recite Ayat-e-Karima.
This advice upset many people online, including Tamkenat Mansoor. She shared the clip on her Instagram story and asked why such hosts are still allowed on TV. She tagged government accounts, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s page. She also asked PEMRA, Pakistan’s media regulator, to take notice.
Actor Maya Ali also spoke up about the matter and showed concern over Bilal Qutab’s statement.
This is not the first time a TV host’s advice on women’s issues has caused anger online. Many people feel such shows need stronger checks.
