The return of Pakistan Idol after a decade has opened a bonanza of soul-stirring voices, audience interest and some controversies.

 

The new panel of judges features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Zeb Bangash, Bilal Maqsood, and Fawad Khan, and it’s Fawad who has found himself at the centre of a debate on the judges. 

 

After facing heavy criticism for being part of the Pakistan Idol judging panel, Fawad Khan has finally responded.

 

In a video circulating on social media, a reporter asked Fawad, “The nation wants to know what it’s like being a judge on Pakistan Idol.” Smiling, Fawad replied, “The nation knows what they want to know. Today everyone knows everything.”

 

 

He went on to say that Pakistan Idol is an entertainment platform designed to give young artists a stage. “Whenever I sit in a chair like this, I try to remember when we did Battle of the Bands years ago, two or maybe three seasons. It was always an entertainment platform, and many talented artists came through it. I always wish them well, and it’s an honour to watch them perform. I feel like I’m part of the audience when I sit there, cheering for them,” Fawad said, graceful as ever. 

 

“The unfortunate part is that only one person wins in the end, but I’ve always said that being on such a stage is just a calling card. Everyone sees you now, your introduction to the world has been made. It’s all about giving talent the right exposure,” he added.

 

The video popped up online after another viral clip from a music launch event for his upcoming film Neelofar in Lahore, where Fawad jokingly said, “No, I haven’t sung any song,” and then added with a grin, “Pakistan isn’t letting me sing.” His humorous comment spread quickly online, with fans delighted by his refusal to take the unfounded criticism to heart. 

 

Singer Humaira Arshad recently criticized the producers, saying they had “prioritised star power over musical authority.” Without directly naming Fawad, she remarked that some judges “have no connection with music,” suggesting their inclusion was based more on fame than skill.

 

Her comments reignited debate about reality shows drifting away from their main goal — discovering genuine musical talent — and becoming more about celebrity appeal and sponsorships.

 

But Fawad’s supporters have been quick to defend him. Before becoming one of Pakistan’s biggest TV and film stars, Fawad Khan was the lead vocalist of the popular rock band Entity Paradigm (EP). The group helped shape Pakistan’s early 2000s rock scene with iconic songs like Hamesha and Waqt, which became youth anthems.

 

Similarly, Bilal Maqsood’s inclusion makes sense for many fans, as he was one half of the legendary pop-rock band Strings. Supporters argue that both Fawad and Bilal bring decades of experience from performing, composing, and understanding the entertainment business.