Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described remarks by her husband, Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar, about women and cancer patients as “heartbreaking”, as the comments drew criticism on social media. Maryam expressed regret over his comments, which Safdar made earlier this week at a Khatm-e-Nabuwwat gathering in Chiniot.
Safdar criticises ‘My Body, My Choice’ slogan
Speaking at the gathering, Safdar criticised the slogan “Mera Jism, Meri Marzi”, which translates as “My Body, My Choice”. He questioned why women who assert control over their bodies seek prayers and religious intervention when diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer.
He argued that such women should also be able to cure themselves if they fall ill. He added that the human body ultimately remains under God’s control, saying, “Ultimately, the human body is governed by God.”
Maryam responds as online reaction grows
On Friday, Maryam responded to a post on X about Safdar’s remarks. She described the situation as heartbreaking and referred to the struggles women face behind closed doors.
In a message on her official handle, she wrote, “Some battles are fought in silence, and some wounds are invisible.” Social media users also praised her for taking a public stance, and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry commended her for taking a “clear stance”.
Journalists share personal views on the remarks
Journalist Benazir Shah praised Maryam’s position, writing, “More power to you, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.” Journalist Ajmal Jami said his mother had been a cancer patient and that her survival was “nothing short of a miracle”.
Jami also said that listening to Safdar’s remarks on the matter was “utterly shameful and disgraceful”.
