Zahid Ahmed’s Comments on Lazawal Ishq and Influencers Spark Debate Online

Actor Zahid Ahmed has found himself at the centre of a social-media storm after his recent remarks about the YouTube reality show Lazawal Ishq and Pakistan’s growing influencer culture.

Appearing on the podcast Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, the Daldal and Ishq Zah-e-Naseeb star criticised Lazawal Ishq, calling it a threat to social values. He questioned the production’s origins, saying he was unable to identify who created the show, and claimed it promotes vulgarity under the guise of entertainment. Ahmed added that because the show streams online rather than on television, it avoids regulatory oversight.

During the same conversation, he also spoke more broadly about social media, describing online platforms as the work of the devil and declaring that all influencers will go to hell. The statement quickly went viral, with several creators, including Adnan Zafar (known as Ken Doll), pushing back against what they viewed as a sweeping and unfair generalisation.

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A post shared by Adnan Zafar (@ken_)

Following widespread criticism, Ahmed issued an apology on Monday. In a video shared on his official accounts, he clarified that his comments were directed at those who create and profit from social-media platforms, not at individual content creators. “No one except God has the right to label anyone sinful,” he said, adding that he felt guilty for having spoken too harshly.

The apology has prompted mixed reactions online. Some praised the actor for taking responsibility, while others noted that the incident highlights the growing tension between Pakistan’s entertainment industry and its expanding influencer scene.

As Lazawal Ishq continues to trend and discussions around online morality gain momentum, Zahid Ahmed’s remarks have reignited a broader conversation about culture, religion, and the changing face of digital entertainment.