Pakistani actress and TV host Mishi Khan has taken a bold stand against what she describes as the “alarming rise in violence and inappropriate content” in television dramas, calling out PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) for its lack of regulation. Her comments were prompted by controversial scenes from the popular drama Mann Mast Malang, starring Danish Taimoor and Sahar Hashmi.

In a strongly worded public statement, Mishi Khan questioned whether PEMRA was “asleep” as she criticized the drama for promoting toxic masculinity and glamorizing brutality under the guise of romance. We are continuously seeing negative heroes being glorified, and its affecting viewers, especially the youth, she warned.

The drama Mann Mast Malang has stirred widespread public backlash over what critics have labeled as “graphic” and “immoral” scenes. Viewers have particularly pointed fingers at Danish Taimoor, who frequently plays toxic male leads, and are now demanding a boycott of both him and fellow actor Feroze Khan from future television roles.

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However, not everyone agrees with the calls for banning actors. Some social media users have defended Danish Taimoor, arguing that actors merely follow the script. Danish gave those views on air with his wifes full knowledge and support. If Ayeza Khan has no issue, why should we? wrote one netizen, highlighting the divide in public opinion.

Meanwhile, Sahar Hashmi, who plays Riya in Mann Mast Malang, addressed the controversy in a recent interview with Fuchsia Magazine. She explained that while the script initially attracted her due to its dramatic twistsdescribed humorously by veteran actress Saba Hameed as “chaat with 14 masalas”filming romantic scenes was far from easy.

Sahar recounted feeling uncomfortable during intimate scenes and revealed that both Faisal Qureshi (from a previous project) and Danish Taimoor offered her similar advice: to avoid direct eye contact during filming to ease tension and appear natural on screen.

As criticism mounts, questions are being raised not only about the responsibility of actors and writers but also about PEMRAs role in regulating content. Mishi Khans pointed critique reflects a growing demand for ethical storytelling and content oversight in Pakistani television.

The ongoing debate highlights a deepening rift in the entertainment industry between creative freedom and moral responsibilityone that PEMRA can no longer afford to ignore.