Pakistani actor Shahood Alvi has responded to criticism over a resurfaced television clip, saying that his comments were taken out of context and did not reflect his personal views on women.

In a series of Instagram Stories, Alvi said that the discussion had been taken out of context after a woman called the show and asked why her husband did not pay attention to her and spent most of his time on his phone.

“We were all discussing how the majority of men in our society think. This has nothing to do with my views on women,” he wrote.

Alvi said that he supports strong and confident women and has treated his wife and daughters accordingly.

“I empower and support strong and confident women, and that’s how I’ve treated my wife and daughters all along,” he wrote.

He added that he has provided his wife with household help and respects everything she has done for him.

“I have provided my wife with all the household help she needs. I respect everything she has done for me,” he added.

Alvi also rejected the narrative surrounding the viral clips.

“The narrative currently circulating does not reflect what I actually said or believe. Shame on people who try to tarnish one’s reputation just for views,” he emphasised.

The response came after clips from the television discussion resurfaced online and attracted criticism. During the programme, Alvi discussed relationships between husbands and wives and spoke about why some husbands may lose interest in their wives.

Alvi had said, “Most of the time women stink with the smell of ginger and garlic when their husband is at home, while in office he is surrounded with girls wearing perfumes.”

He also suggested that women could make an effort to attract their husbands by preparing their favourite food and dressing up before they returned home. He further said that a husband spending excessive time on his phone was not a good sign.

Actresses Leyla Zuberi and Fahima Awan also shared their views during the discussion, with both speaking about women making an effort to look presentable for their husbands.

The resurfaced comments drew criticism from social media users, with viewers questioning the focus on women’s responsibility in relationships.

Alvi is known for his work in Pakistani television as an actor and director, with credits including Makan, Mera Saaein, Dunk, Nanhi, Ghisi Piti Mohabbat and Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha.