The finale of the popular drama Qarz-e-Jaan, which had gained acclaim for tackling themes of misogyny, abuse of power, and systemic failures, has ignited backlash for seemingly humanizing its antagonist, Ammar Bakhtiar. Played by Nameer Khan, Ammar’s character was shown as a remorseless offender who committed heinous crimes, including gang rape, blackmail, and murder. However, the closing episode took a controversial turn, providing him with a sympathetic redemption arc.
After being sentenced to life imprisonment, Ammar delivers an emotive monologue where he expresses regret and attributes his actions to his troubled upbringing, shifting focus from accountability to justification. Critics argue this narrative weakens the impact of prior episodes, diminishing the gravity of his offenses.
Adding to the discontent was a scene where Nashwa, the female protagonist played by Yumna Zaidi, smiles at Ammar after he acknowledges her abilities as a lawyer. Viewers perceived this as a betrayal of her strong character, who had relentlessly pursued justice against her husband’s crimes.
Comparisons were drawn to another drama, Cheekh, where a similar attempt to show the antagonist’s perspective was met with strong condemnation by the protagonist, maintaining moral clarity. Qarz-e-Jaan, some viewers felt, failed to carry that same conviction.
While the show offered a gripping exploration of societal rot and familial dysfunction, critics stress that bad parenting cannot excuse Ammar’s calculated and grave actions. The finale left many feeling the narrative veered into dangerous territory by appearing to evoke empathy for a character guilty of unspeakable acts.
The backlash serves as a reminder of the responsibility storytellers hold, especially in addressing sensitive issues like abuse and justice, which have significant real-world implications.
