Maryam reacts as Safdar faces backlash over women’s remarks

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed heartbreak over controversial remarks made by her husband, retired Captain Muhammad Safdar, about women advocating bodily autonomy, triggering criticism from social media users and public figures.

Safdar came under criticism after questioning the slogan “Mera Jism, Meri Marzi” (My Body, My Choice) during a Khatm-i-Nabuwwat rally in Chiniot earlier this week.

In his speech, Safdar questioned why women who demand control over their bodies seek prayers and religious remedies when diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer.

He argued that women who claim ownership of their bodies should also be able to cure themselves when they fall ill, adding that the human body ultimately remains under God’s control.

His remarks sparked a strong reaction, particularly because they linked women’s position on bodily autonomy with their decision to seek religious support during illness.

On Friday, Maryam Nawaz responded to a social media post criticising her husband’s comments. The post highlighted that her mother, Kulsoom Nawaz, had died in 2018 after battling cancer for several months.

Reacting to the criticism, the Punjab chief minister described the remarks as “heartbreaking” and shared a broken-heart emoji.

Without directly naming her husband, Maryam reflected on the emotional and physical struggles women face behind closed doors.

She wrote that women, particularly wives, often fight silent battles and find the strength to carry on even when they feel emotionally broken. She added that some struggles remain hidden, while some wounds are never visible to others.

Her response received support from several social media users, who criticised Safdar for using women’s experiences with cancer to challenge their views on bodily autonomy.

Television anchor Ajmal Jami also condemned the remarks, sharing his personal experience of having a mother who battled cancer. He described the difficult period his family endured and called Safdar’s comments shameful and disgraceful.

Jami also appreciated Maryam for expressing compassion towards women facing similar struggles.

Social media user Maheen Ghani questioned the logic behind Safdar’s argument, saying that advocating bodily autonomy and seeking prayers during an illness were not contradictory.

She criticised the use of women’s illness, fear and religious beliefs as grounds for humiliating them.

Meanwhile, journalist Benazir Shah praised Maryam for taking a public stand, describing her response as an act of courage.

The controversy has sparked a wider debate on women’s bodily autonomy, religious beliefs and the sensitivity required when discussing serious illnesses such as cancer.