The Turkish actor in his interview to digital news outlet Independent Urdu, said that like his many fellow citizens, Pakistan was like a second home to him. “I am very grateful to the Pakistani people for showing so much love and supporting Ertugrul.”
He said that he will visit Pakistan soon to meet the people of the country. In the end, while talking about the deadly coronavirus, he said: “Please stay home and keep watching Ertugrul.”
Currently, state-owned Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) is airing the drama series Ertugul, following the recommendations of Prime Minister Imran Khan about the TV series. The then special advisor to the prime minister (SAPM) on information Firdous Ashiq Awan had said that the government took the initiative as the premier wanted to protect Muslims’ social values and religious norms.
Following the PM Imran’s recommendations, Jamia Binnori, a Karachi-based Islamic institute, released a fatwa against Ertugrul. Allama Muhammad Yusuf, a senior preacher at the Binnori Town Mosque said that the drama should be forbidden according to the ‘shariah law’. “I have issues with the portrayal of Islamic characters on a medium like the television and the fact that the show Ertugul includes women from the time of the Caliphate makes it even more controversial,” the religious cleric said.