Pakistan Idol faces legal challenge amid payment disputes and production uncertainty

A legal case has been filed against the reality singing show Pakistan Idol, with proceedings now underway at the Intellectual Property Tribunal Karachi, according to court documents and statements shared publicly.

The plaintiff, Muhammad Ahsan Qureshy, has filed a suit seeking a declaration, recovery of damages, rendition of accounts and a permanent injunction, citing alleged breach of contract and copyright infringement.

According to documents, the case—registered as Suit No. 54 of 2026—names The Merchant Holdings (Private) Limited, among others, as defendants. The company is associated with the local franchise of Pakistan Idol.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Qureshy claimed he had been associated with the project for around seven months, from its initial production phase, and had carried out all photography work for the show. He alleged that despite his continued involvement, his payments, including expenses, were never finalised and remain outstanding.

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“The matter is not just about me,” he said, adding that several members of the creative department are also facing similar issues. “I am not the only one whose payments have not been cleared. There are multiple individuals whose dues are pending, and their professional relationship with the company and Pakistan Idol has deteriorated,” he added.

Qureshy further stated that the last round of shooting for the show took place during the gala stage, which included themed segments such as a Basant round and a wedding festival. He added that no further filming, including the finale, has taken place since then, raising questions about the completion of the season.

Meanwhile, individuals associated with the production, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Express Tribune that payment-related issues within Pakistan Idol have been severe and ongoing.

They claimed that the franchise owners, The Merchant Holdings (Private) Limited, were unable to successfully market and sell their product in the local market. According to these sources, the company had acquired the franchise rights for three seasons in Pakistan but failed to generate the expected revenue, leading to financial difficulties.

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Sources further alleged that due to poor financial management and weak commercial performance, the project has stalled to the extent that even organising the finale appears uncertain. Despite the format’s global popularity, the Pakistani edition is now facing serious challenges, with its first season yet to be completed.

There are also circulating reports that the studio setup where Pakistan Idol was being filmed has been dismantled, although this could not be independently verified.

It is worth noting that the Idol format globally is owned by Fremantle and was created by Simon Fuller, under the Pop Idol franchise, which has been successfully adapted in multiple countries.

In a statement issued a day earlier, The Merchant Holdings (Private) Limited said it remains committed to Pakistan Idol, its contestants and partners, and to Pakistan, expressing confidence in a return. The company said delays were partly due to Ramadan and prevailing global circumstances, adding that it intends to resume the project and that its comeback would be “worth the wait”.

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In a separate statement shared on social media, Qureshy said he had initiated legal proceedings after “careful consideration” over what he described as serious matters linked to the show. He confirmed that the court has taken cognisance of the case and that he intends to present “complete evidence” during the proceedings, urging the public to refrain from speculation and allow the legal process to take its course.

There has been no official response so far from the defendants or representatives of Pakistan Idol regarding the allegations.