Pakistani actor and influencer Khaqan Shahnawaz has issued a public apology to comedian Ali Abdullah after learning that he has a speech impediment.

The apology followed a controversy sparked by a video Khaqan posted in which he criticised remarks made by Abdullah during a Ramzan transmission, and mocked his speech.

After discovering that Abdullah has a medical condition affecting his speech, Khaqan removed the video and addressed the issue on Instagram.

“I did not know Ali Abdullah suffered from a speech impediment. I have taken down my video and apologise for any offence caused,” Khaqan wrote on his Instagram account. He added that his views on the original criticism had not changed.

“I still maintain however, that it is not okay for him to make fun of someone’s financial situation or say that they are on their period on national TV,” he said.

The controversy began when Ali Abdullah shared a clip of content creator Jawad Ahmed eating taftan during sehri. 

While commenting on the clip, Abdullah said, “He is eating paratha, may Allah forgive, it looks like leftover roti from last night, reheated in water. His mother gave it to him. It is neither good for his health nor will it help his algorithm.”

The clip went viral, prompting Khaqan to defend Jawad and accuse Abdullah of punching down and mocking the creator on national television. He questioned how Abdullah would feel if someone mocked his voice or personal traits in public.

The controversy also drew criticism from the entertainment industry. Actress Sabeena Farooq criticised Khaqan, saying, “I don’t understand why people launch personal attacks while critiquing. His voice and way of speaking are given by Allah; this is completely in Allah’s hands. Nothing personal against Khaqan, but he is wrong here on so many levels.”

Khaqan entered the entertainment industry in 2023 and rose to fame with the popular drama Yunhi. He later appeared in Sukoon and My Dear Cinderella.

In his personal life, Khaqan married Pakistani actress Sabeena Syed. The couple confirmed their nikkah in January 2026, after announcing their engagement in late 2025.