Faryal Gohar exposes shocking ordeal behind marriage

Pakistani actress Faryal Gohar has spoken publicly about the difficult and abusive experiences she says she

Pakistani actress Faryal Gohar has spoken publicly about the difficult and abusive experiences she says she endured during her nine-year marriage to actor Jamal Shah, revealing that domestic violence had a profound impact on her physical and emotional wellbeing.

Gohar made the revelations while appearing on Nida Yasir’s programme Good Morning Pakistan, where she discussed domestic violence, social pressure and the difficulties women can face when attempting to leave abusive relationships.

During the conversation, the veteran actress said violence within marriages remains widespread in Pakistan and can affect women regardless of their education, independence or social standing.

She claimed that many women continue to face abuse behind closed doors and suggested that even prominent figures have experienced domestic violence while concealing their injuries from the public.

Speaking about her own experience, Gohar said she had experienced violence during her childhood but chose not to discuss those details publicly. She then described enduring violence during her marriage despite having the support of her family in principle.

The actress said she struggled with the pressure placed on women to preserve marriages even when they are facing abuse. According to her, societal expectations surrounding marriage and motherhood can make it particularly difficult for women to speak out or seek help.

Faryal Gohar alleged that she was repeatedly beaten with leather belts and said the violence was so severe that she suffered miscarriages. She stressed that she did not want to reveal every detail of what she had endured, saying that discussing the full extent of her experiences would turn the programme into a deeply painful conversation.

She also recalled that she was only 23 years old when she got married and said the marriage had initially been her own choice. Her family, she explained, was pleased with the match, partly because of her husband’s Syed family background.

However, she said that her family later questioned how a man could claim such religious and social status while allegedly subjecting his wife to violence.

Faryal Gohar further revealed that she had to hide injuries resulting from the alleged abuse. She said she sometimes missed her classes because of her injuries and experienced severe pain, including problems affecting her kidneys. She also said she underwent surgeries during that period.

Beyond the physical violence,Faryal  Gohar described what she considered a restrictive and regressive environment. She alleged that she was not permitted to leave the house freely or even go out for a walk.

According to the actress, when she did travel outside, she would sometimes use a covered rickshaw so that people could not see her. She also recalled being made to wear her mother-in-law’s burqa as a way of concealing herself.

Faryal Gohar said the experience made her realise that domestic abuse is not only about physical violence but can also involve isolation, social pressure and the denial of personal freedom.

Reflecting on her journey, she emphasised the importance of recognising one’s own worth and finding the courage to leave harmful circumstances.

“The main thing is getting out of such situations after realizing you deserve better,” she said, while also calling for greater awareness and education among men.

Faryal Gohar argued that addressing domestic violence requires changes not only within families but also in wider society. She said men need to be educated and trained to understand healthy relationships, respect boundaries and reject violence.