The much-anticipated Pakistan Idol has officially returned to television screens through Geo TV, reigniting the country’s excitement for musical reality shows. The series, an officially licensed version of the global American Idol franchise, features an impressive panel of judges — Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood. The show’s nationwide auditions have begun airing, giving young Pakistani singers a platform to showcase their raw talent.
While the show has quickly gained popularity and social media is abuzz with clips from auditions, a new controversy has sparked among viewers — the credibility of the judges. Many fans are questioning whether all the judges, except Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, truly possess the vocal expertise needed to evaluate aspiring singers.
Fans took to social media to share their mixed reactions. One viewer wrote, “It would have been a perfect judging panel if Atif Aslam, Abida Parveen, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan were the judges.” Another user commented, “Can the judges even sing on the same high notes as the contestants without breaking their voices?” Others criticized the inclusion of non-singers, questioning the show’s standards. “What’s the credibility of Pakistan Idol if actors are judging singers?” a fan remarked.
The debate continued, with several users sarcastically suggesting that Chahat Fateh Ali Khan could also “qualify” as a judge given the current lineup. Despite the criticism, many fans still praised the show’s production quality, presentation, and the incredible young talent being discovered from across the country.
As Pakistan Idol continues to air new episodes, it remains to be seen how the judges will respond to this growing skepticism. Whether the controversy fades or fuels more attention, one thing is clear — the show has successfully captured Pakistan’s spotlight once again.