The release of the official poster for the upcoming Pakistani drama serial “Pinky” has created a new debate online, with social media users divided over whether the life of Anmol cocaine queen known as “Pinky”, deserve a drama serial on television.
The project, produced by 7th Sky Entertainment, is inspired by the life and alleged criminal activities of Karachi-based Anmol Pinky, whose arrest and court appearances went viral across social media platforms.
The drama is set to feature star actor Saba Qamar in leading role, a casting choice that has further amplified public interest and controversy around the project.
A new drama based on Anmol Pinky, Pakistan’s drug queen, is reportedly in development, with Saba Qamar set to play the lead role. Supporters say such dramas can help the public understand controversial figures, while critics warn they may shape opinions before the full truth… pic.twitter.com/vklEjCA1VB
— P Connect (@ConnectingPak) June 3, 2026
As soon as the first official poster circulated online, reactions poured in. While some users expressed curiosity and even excitement about the storyline, many others criticized the decision to center a drama around a figure associated with drugs.
The debate quickly evolved into a broader discussion about storytelling priorities in Pakistani television, what stories are worth telling, and whose lives deserve to be presented on screen.
Journalist Shifa Yousafzai opposed the idea, saying that Pakistan has countless untold stories of real-life heroines who deserve screen attention far more than a controversial criminal figure. She cited the example of Dr. Ruth Pfau, who dedicated her life to fighting leprosy in Pakistan after moving from Germany in 1961.
She stated that while figures like Dr. Pfau spent decades serving humanity and transforming lives, the entertainment industry appears to be focusing instead on sensational characters for ratings-driven content.
We have Ruth Pfau; a woman who dedicated her life to eradicating leprosy in Pakistan, who chose to emigrate to Pakistan from Germany in 1961 when she could have a very comfortable life back there. She dedicated 55 years of her live to fighting Leprosy in Pakistan. We have… pic.twitter.com/ZpbYzqJWty
— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) June 4, 2026
Critics shared similar sentiments online, with one user questioning whether audiences truly want “a biopic of a philanthropist or the rise-and-fall story of a drug dealer with alleged political links.”
Another netizen said that the responsibility also lies with viewers, saying that such productions exist because there is demand for sensational content and unless audience preferences change, producers will continue to supply similar narratives.
The controversy also drew reaction from actor and filmmaker Shamoon Abbasi, who publicly questioned why such a subject was being prioritised for adaptation.
In a social media post, he said that Pakistani television already has access to a wide range of inspirational female-led stories that could motivate audiences. He suggested that focusing on a figure linked to crime, instead of socially impactful personalities, reflects a broader creative imbalance in the industry.
Despite the criticism, many social media users came out in support of the project, defending the makers’ right to explore complex and controversial real-life stories.
Some argued that global entertainment industries including platforms like Netflix have successfully produced crime dramas based on drug cartels and real-life criminals, suggesting that such narratives reflect societal realities rather than glorify wrongdoing.
Supporters also said that crime-based dramas often attract strong viewership and can spark important conversations about drug abuse, organised crime, and social decay.
One user commented that while Dr. Ruth Pfau represents an inspiring humanitarian legacy, audiences may still gravitate toward high-stakes, dramatic stories rooted in crime and controversy.
With the drama still in production under 7th Sky Entertainment and anticipation building around Saba Qamar’s performance, the controversy is going viral online.
Anmol aka Pinky case
Anmol, known as Pinky, was arrested by Karachi Police on May 12 during a raid on a flat in the city’s Garden area.
Since then, investigators have shared details about what they describe as a large drug distribution network allegedly operated by her across several cities.
Speaking to reporters, South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said investigators believe Anmol managed a network of riders who supplied cocaine to customers in different parts of the country.
He said that she avoided employing permanent staff and instead relied on a network of associates.
According to the DIG, Anmol told investigators she moved from Karachi to Lahore at a young age after leaving home in pursuit of a career in modelling and films. Police say she later became involved with people linked to the drug trade and eventually built her own network.
Investigators also allege that she maintained connections with several individuals, including a retired police officer, and acquired properties and financial assets during that period. Police have frozen bank accounts and seized properties as part of the ongoing investigation.
Also read: Saba Qamar to play ‘Anmol Pinky’ role in upcoming biopic drama
