ISLAMABAD: Actor Saba Faisal came under fire after her remarks on a morning show about obedience and adjustment in joint family households sparked widespread debate online. Her comments, focusing on the role of brides and the expectations of mothers-in-law, were criticised as outdated and authoritarian.
On the show, Saba advised that a mother-in-law should limit a bride’s autonomy over wedding clothes, arguing that independent choices early on could disrupt family harmony. She reflected on her own marriage of over four decades, recalling that most of her bridal dresses were designed by her sisters-in-law, with only one outfit made at her insistence. She also mentioned dressing formally every morning before breakfast on her mother-in-law’s instructions, framing such practices as foundational to peaceful domestic life.
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Faisal quoted her husband, suggesting that maintaining silence at an in-laws’ house ensures long-term harmony. She described her advice as guidance for young women to navigate married life successfully.
The segment immediately triggered backlash on social media. Actor Fiza Ali called the advice controlling rather than affectionate, while Hira Khan questioned how such messaging was allowed on national television without challenge. Javeria Saud stressed the importance of remaining vocal and aware in all spaces. Social media users expressed disbelief that such views were publicly shared in 2025, with some calling the comments harmful and regressive.
Amid the outrage, Faisal posted a video on Instagram clarifying her perspective. She said critics had misunderstood her remarks, emphasising that many had not watched the complete discussion. She also apologised for using the phrase “deaf and dumb,” explaining that she intended to convey the idea of forgiving and overlooking issues rather than the literal interpretation. Her daughter, Sadia Faisal, also defended her mother briefly online, though calls for television channels to reconsider such programming continued to grow.
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The incident highlights ongoing debates in Pakistan about generational values, gender roles, and the influence of media on societal norms.