Umera Ahmed urges fans to avoid AI-generated content
Renowned Urdu novelist Umera Ahmed has appealed to readers and content creators to stop producing and sharing AI-generated visuals based on her literary works, saying such content diminishes the emotional and spiritual depth of her stories.
In a statement shared through her official Instagram page, Ahmed’s team thanked readers for their continued love and support but expressed concern over the growing number of AI-generated images, videos and reels portraying scenes, characters and dialogues from her novels.
The statement urged fan pages and digital creators to refrain from using artificial intelligence to recreate her books. According to the team, literature offers every reader a unique and personal experience, while AI-generated visuals limit that imagination by presenting a fixed interpretation of characters and events.
Special concern was raised over Ahmed’s acclaimed novel Peer-e-Kamil, which the team described as a deeply spiritual and emotionally sensitive work. They said its message, beauty and sanctity should not be diluted through artificial intelligence-generated content.
While appreciating the passion and dedication of fan communities, the statement encouraged readers to experience and share the author’s work in its original form, allowing the stories to leave their intended emotional impact without technological alteration.
The appeal comes as artificial intelligence continues to spark debate within Pakistan’s creative and entertainment industries. Concerns over the misuse of AI have grown in recent months, with artists and public figures warning about its impact on originality, artistic integrity and personal image rights.
The discussion intensified after an AI-generated promotional music video released by the Ministry of Planning and Development drew widespread criticism. Separately, television personalities Tauseeq Haider and Farah Saadia were forced to deny false rumours after AI-created images depicting their alleged wedding circulated online.
Actor Hira Tareen has also urged fellow performers to carefully review contract terms, warning that some agreements may allow studios to use an actor’s likeness for AI-generated productions without adequate safeguards.