Actor Naimal Khawar has criticised the growing tendency to comment on women’s bodies after social media users speculated about her appearance at a recent wedding.
In an Instagram Story, Khawar reshared a post that described her as looking “unrecognisable” and questioned whether she was pregnant or had gained weight.
“It’s honestly fascinating and sad how comfortable people have become commenting on a woman’s body. Yes, my weight can fluctuate. Yes, I don’t look the same as I did five years ago. Yes, motherhood changes you in ways you can’t imagine,” she wrote.
Khawar, who is married to actor Hamza Ali Abbasi, welcomed their son in 2020. She has previously spoken about experiencing postpartum blues and the impact it had on her life and creative work.
Addressing the wider discussion around women’s bodies, Khawar wrote, “Women’s bodies change with age, hormones, stress, health, lifestyle, and yes, sometimes pregnancy too.”
“None of these things are invitations for public commentary,” she added.
Khawar also addressed women directly, reminding them that they do not need to maintain the same appearance throughout their lives.
“And to the women reading this: you don’t owe anyone the same body you had five years ago, last year, or even last month. Your body is allowed to change without becoming a topic of entertainment,” she wrote.
Comments about the appearances of female celebrities remain common across Pakistani social media, with discussions often focusing on weight, facial features, hairstyles, clothing and speculation about cosmetic procedures.
