2 min read
Update: TCM has restored the episode after removing the Ehd-e-Wafa segment.
Original: The Centrum Media (TCM) Originals has removed an episode of its Hard Talk series from all social media platforms after a clip featuring actor and activist Adeel Afzal went viral. The video, in which Afzal criticized the script of the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa and its portrayal of key characters, sparked intense online debate before being taken down.
Afzal’s critique focused on how Ehd-e-Wafa—allegedly backed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)—portrayed its characters in a biased manner. He argued that Ahad Raza Mir’s role as an army officer was glorified, while characters representing politicians and journalists were downplayed or depicted negatively.
The TCM Hard Talk video quickly gained traction, drawing both support and criticism on social media. However, the sudden removal of the episode has raised questions about digital censorship, editorial independence, and the role of social media platforms in controlling narratives.
The episode’s takedown underscores the growing influence of online reactions on digital media outlets. Social platforms use AI-driven moderation and user reports to regulate content, often leading to the removal of controversial discussions. In cases like this, pressure from mass reporting, corporate influence, or institutional concerns can result in content being pulled—further fueling debates on free speech and media control in Pakistan.
