'Aurat ki kamayi mein barkat nahi,' Saima Qureshi stands by her statement despite backlash

Actress Saima Qureshi has issued a clarification regarding her controversial statement, which has been circulating on social media for the past week concerning women's earnings.

A few days ago, Saima appeared on the FHM podcast. She stated that women's earnings are not blessed and that only men's earnings are. She went on to say that women also tend to brag about their earnings.

Additionally, the actress asserted that men should consider a second marriage instead of engaging in extramarital affairs. Adding to her view, she also claimed that a husband does not need his first wife's permission for a second marriage, stating that religion has not laid down any such rule.

Following her remarks, a number of women, including female celebrities, criticised Saima Qureshi.

Former journalist Reham Khan posted a video response in which she expressed her anger over the actress's statements, saying, "It really angered me." She pointed out the "hypocrisy" of Saima’s statement, given that she herself is a working woman and an actress.

"It's very easy to say [that women's earnings aren't blessed], but it is an insult to women who do not have the choice to wait for the 'blessed earnings' of a man," Reham added.

She further criticised the actress for her "hypocrisy and lack of insight," stating that men, too, boast about their wealth, just as women do.

Senior actress Simi Raheal also reacted, posting on her Instagram story: "Women's earnings are a plus! It is important to read the Quran and not make assumptions..." She then quoted the Quran: "To men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn. But ask God of His bounty. For God has full knowledge of all things."

Comedian and internet personality Tamkenat Mansoor took a jab at Saima Qureshi's statements, saying that when an actor is deprived of attention and has mediocre acting skills, they resort to making such controversial remarks to stay in the limelight.

Saima Qureshi responds to backlash

After facing widespread criticism and trolling on social media, Saima Qureshi released a video statement on Instagram addressing the controversy.

Referring to the podcast, she acknowledged the backlash, saying, "Many people had complaints about my viral interview."

Addressing social media users, she said, "You have only seen the 30-second teaser, but I request you to watch the entire 40-minute interview."

She urged viewers to listen to her full explanation before jumping to conclusions, "Don't just watch the teaser. Watch the entire interview where I have explained my statements in detail."

Despite the backlash, Saima Qureshi reaffirmed her stance, stating that a woman's earnings are not a blessing when her children are neglected because of her absence.

According to the actress, all working women, including herself, often struggle to decide where to spend their earnings. She emphasized that a woman's primary role is to take care of the household, and when she steps outside to work, she faces a number of challenges.

She also clarified her stance on polygamy: "I am not saying that every man should marry more than once, but it is better to get married than to have extramarital affairs."

Addressing women, she stated, "If you knowingly ignore your husband's affairs and prevent him from marrying, then you are also complicit in these affairs."