Maryam Nawaz reacts to husband’s cancer remarks

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed her sadness over the struggles faced by women battling cancer following controversial remarks by her husband, Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar, that have drawn widespread criticism on social media.

Maryam shared her reaction in a post on X without directly mentioning Safdar. Describing the struggles women face behind closed doors, she highlighted the emotional strength required to endure difficult battles and the pain that often remains unseen.

“Heartbreaking.  The silent battles a woman, a wife, fights behind closed doors… The strength she must find even when she feels like breaking. Some battles are fought in silence, and some wounds are invisible,” she wrote.

Her remarks came after a video of Captain (retd) Safdar addressing a religious gathering went viral on social media. In the video, he can be heard commenting on the slogan “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” while referring to women diagnosed with cancer.

“If it is your body, then cure it yourself,” Safdar said, in remarks that many social media users considered insensitive towards women suffering from the disease.

The video triggered criticism, with several users questioning the appropriateness of making such comments about cancer patients and their struggles.

Sharing the clip, an X user also pointed out that Safdar’s mother-in-law, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, had died of cancer, questioning his remarks about women battling the disease.

Maryam’s response has attracted attention because of its apparent contrast with her husband’s comments. Her mother, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, died in September 2018 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

The controversy has reignited discussions about the need for sensitivity and compassion towards cancer patients, particularly women dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of the disease.