Actor Saba Faisal has drawn criticism on social media once again after comparing how fathers once reacted to their daughter’s divorce with how women today respond to separation.
Appearing on a talk show, Faisal said that fathers in the past could not even show their faces in public after a divorce in the family. “Previously, when there was a divorce in a family, people used to mourn for three months. There used to be a proper period of grief; fathers could not even face the world,” she said.
She then contrasted this with what she called a far more casual reaction to divorce today. “But now, it has become a norm where you call a friend and ask how her husband is, and she says, ‘It’s been months since my divorce, and I came from abroad after my mind relaxed.’ Things are deteriorating,” she stated.
The comparison did not sit well with many viewers, who felt Faisal was holding up shame and silence as something to be missed, while mocking women who move on from divorce with ease.
Actor Zoya Nasir wrote, “Oh. My. God. I have SO much to say! With all due respect, what a dangerous and twisted narrative.”
Actor Hira Khan wrote, “Janazay uthanay se behtar hain maa baap apne sir jhuka lein. Honestly, i have said it before and i will say it again, she needs help [It would be better for parents to bow their heads than to carry funeral biers].”
One user wrote, “Baap sar nhi utha skta tha? Is she in her senses? [The father couldn’t hold his head up? Is she in her senses?].”
Another person advised, “Auntie plz khamosh ho jaein ya phir sahi se explain kiya karein [Auntie please stay quiet or explain properly].”
One user commented, “Ughh she is back at it!”
Another observed, “She needs mental treatment.”
This is not the first time Faisal’s comments on marriage and family life have triggered backlash. She has previously faced criticism for remarks made on other television appearances regarding gender roles and behaviour expected of women within marital households.
