"This is the best of Pakistan.”
A recent episode of Main Manto Nahi Hoon has sparked fierce criticism from Iffat Omar, reigniting controversy over its problematic teacher–student relationship.
The firestorm began when human rights lawyer Reema Omer posted a scene from the drama on X, criticising how students were in favour of Manto marrying his student Mehmal.
The scene, showing university students boycotting Manto’s lecture and demanding a nikah between him and Mehmal, did not sit well with many.
Iffat Omar reshared the post and added her own disapproval.
She wrote: “Imagine our country’s topmost actor, actress, writer, and director behind this. This is the best of Pakistan.”
Students boycott class and protest to get their professor to marry a fellow student. The bemused Dean responds with “wow, what’s happening!”
A glimpse into KRQ’s perverse world and one of the many reasons why #MeiNMantoNahiHooN is a mind-numbingly ridiculous drama pic.twitter.com/AkcoGNzaxQ
— Reema Omer (@reema_omer) October 16, 2025
Her comment added fuel to the fire, prompting even more public backlash against the drama, its creators, and cast members.
Some viewers agreed wholeheartedly with Iffat Omar, slamming Humayun Saeed, Sajal Aly, and writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar for supporting such content.
They argued that dramas with this kind of messaging contribute to harmful narratives, especially for girls and women seeking education.
Others, however, brushed it off as “just a drama,” suggesting people were overreacting and that real-life teacher–student marriages are not unheard of.
Still, the bulk of criticism targeted the moral implications of the storyline and the tone-deafness of airing such content in today’s social climate.
Several users questioned how respected actors agreed to such roles and why directors or producers allowed the storyline to be filmed.
Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, who has long been accused of misogynistic writing and controversial statements, is once again at the centre of the outrage.
Critics said it was no surprise that Qamar had penned a plot so disturbing, yet still questioned what fantasy he was trying to bring to life.
This is not the first time Main Manto Nahi Hoon has attracted criticism.
Earlier episodes were already panned for body-shaming jokes and outdated portrayals of female characters.
Some netizens pointed out the stark contrast between this drama and others airing currently that are focused on progressive storytelling and social impact.
One user mentioned Case No. 9 by Shahzeb Khanzada as an example of meaningful content and asked why Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar cannot follow suit.
Though the drama continues to trend online, the debate has made many reconsider the standards of storytelling in Pakistani television.
As the controversy grows, fans await a response from the team behind Main Manto Nahi Hoon, though none has been made so far.
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