Actor Zahid Ahmed has issued an apology after receiving strong backlash over remarks he made during a recent podcast, where he criticised social media and said the creators of such platforms “will burn in hell.”

Speaking on Ahmad Ali Butt’s podcast ‘Excuse Me’ on November 1, Zahid strongly condemned social media, calling it “the most evil and destructive invention” and stating that those behind these platforms deserve hell.

The words immediately spread, and many assumed he was referring to social media content providers, generating outrage among influencers.

On Monday, Zahid released a clarification video, explaining that his comments were aimed at the creators of social media platforms, not people who create content online.

“I said they would go to hell, and I am very ashamed,” he said.

“Only God has the right to decide this. I intended to condemn the people who made these platforms, not the content creators.”

The actor acknowledged that his words were irresponsible, especially considering many young viewers follow him for religious content. He pledged to be more careful in the future.

Several influencers, including Ken Doll and Alishbah Anjum, chastised Zahid for what they saw as hypocrisy, questioning how someone in the entertainment industry could condemn social media while benefitting from it..

During the podcast, Zahid described social media as the opposite of Islamic values, saying it encourages self-projection, arrogance, and immodesty.

He said platforms should only be used for business, not personal vanity or comparison.

He also criticised the reality show Lazawal Ishq, saying he would never support content that promotes vulgarity, suggesting the show’s producers have “an agenda.”