Dar e Nijaat faces backlash over Zaryab and Abu Bakr storyline

Dar e Nijaat is currently among the most followed dramas on Pakistani television, with its latest storyline sparking widespread discussion among viewers. The drama has generated debate over Zaryab and Abu Bakr’s growing relationship, particularly the way Abu Bakr has entered Zaryab’s life during one of her most difficult periods.

The recent episodes have placed greater focus on Zaryab’s emotional struggles following Zamil’s marriage to Hamna. Unable to cope with the situation, Zaryab experiences panic attacks while also considering marriage to Abu Bakr. During one emotional moment, Abu Bakr comforts her and helps her regain control.

Zaryab later tells Abu Bakr that she wants to marry him, describing him as an extremely pious person. His role as someone who supports and comforts her during her emotional breakdown has led viewers to describe him as a saviour figure in her life.

However, this portrayal has also drawn criticism on social media, with some viewers questioning the message being presented through the storyline. The criticism has largely been directed at writer Umera Ahmed, with some women arguing that the drama appears to suggest that a woman needs a man to rescue her when she is going through a difficult phase.

Several viewers said they enjoyed Dar e Nijaat but were uncomfortable with the idea of presenting a male character as the answer to a woman’s emotional struggles. One viewer wrote, “Love Dar e Nijaat but I hope the writer has not shown that a man will save you.”

Another viewer shared a similar sentiment, writing, “Heal yourself. No man is coming to save you.” A third person emphasized that the situation should be viewed as fiction and said women should focus on healing themselves rather than waiting for someone else to rescue them.

The comments reflect a wider discussion among viewers about how female characters are portrayed when dealing with emotional pain, heartbreak and personal crises. While some audiences appreciate Abu Bakr’s supportive presence and his role in helping Zaryab during a vulnerable moment, others believe that the storyline could have given greater attention to Zaryab’s own ability to overcome her struggles.

The debate has also highlighted the different expectations viewers have from television dramas. Some audiences see fictional relationships as part of storytelling and appreciate characters who provide emotional support to one another. Others believe that popular dramas can influence how viewers understand relationships and personal independence, making the portrayal of such situations particularly important.

Despite the criticism, Dar e Nijaat continues to attract significant attention, with viewers closely following Zaryab’s journey and her changing relationship with Abu Bakr. The ongoing discussion shows how strongly the drama has connected with its audience, while the reactions to Zaryab and Abu Bakr’s storyline continue to divide viewers.

As the story progresses, audiences will be watching to see whether Zaryab’s relationship with Abu Bakr becomes a central part of her journey or whether the drama takes her character in a different direction. For now, the storyline has opened a broader conversation about love, emotional healing, independence and the role of relationships during difficult times.