Pakistani actor Zara Noor Abbas has urged women to stop harming themselves in desperate attempts to stop aging. In a heartfelt Instagram story, she condemned anti-aging methods such as taking medications for weight loss and skin whitening, calling them “drug abuse.” She stressed that aging is a natural and beautiful process and encouraged women to focus on developing their minds, saying, “Vanity is very short-lived. Work on your brain. That will last.”
Abbas’s message comes amid growing pressure on women, especially in the entertainment industry, where youth is often seen as a measure of worth. Many actresses feel they have an “expiration date” because society constantly links a woman’s value to her appearance. Abbas joins other leading stars who are speaking out against this harmful mindset and calling for more respect for aging.
In a recent interview, Mehwish Hayat highlighted the gender disparity in casting, pointing out that older male actors often continue to land lead roles alongside much younger actresses, while women face difficulty finding roles as they age. She urged Pakistani cinema to follow Hollywood’s example by portraying middle-aged women positively, especially as powerful changemakers.
Mahira Khan also shared her views, saying she proudly embraces her age and refuses to hide it despite societal pressures. Veteran actresses like Mahnoor Baloch and Bushra Ansari have criticized the industry’s ageism as well. Ansari bravely confronted online trolls who shame women for “acting young” or enjoying themselves, calling such negativity “jealousy” and “unfair.”
Together, these voices are challenging deep-rooted age biases in Pakistani society and media. They encourage women to accept their natural beauty and value their intellect, experience, and inner strength above fleeting physical appearance.