Two prominent Pakistani entertainment figures have ignited a powerful conversation about domestic violence and family responsibility, directly confronting cultural beliefs that trap women in dangerous marriages.
Actor Faysal Quraishi has issued a stark challenge to parents who abandon their daughters after marriage, questioning why families refuse to provide refuge when abuse occurs. Speaking during a recent interview, Quraishi dismantled the traditional notion that daughters should only return to their parents’ homes in coffins.
“You raised her, so why won’t you remain her support system?” Quraishi asked pointedly. “If she faces beatings or abuse, why do people believe she can only come back for her funeral? Is she not still your daughter?”
His comments strike at the heart of a pervasive mindset across Pakistan where married women are expected to endure suffering silently rather than seek help from their birth families. The stigma surrounding divorce and separation often leaves victims isolated, with nowhere to turn when violence escalates.
Quraishi emphasized that parental responsibility does not end at the wedding ceremony. He argued that when families stand firmly behind their daughters, abusers lose power. “When someone knows you have support, even the person threatening you cannot commit crimes,” he explained.
The actor referenced his upcoming Punjabi film “Mango Jutt,” sharing a dialogue that translates to “Look back, I am standing behind you” — a message of unwavering family support that resonates deeply in a society where women frequently face pressure to preserve marriages regardless of personal safety.
Meanwhile, actor Zoha Tauqeer delivered an even more direct message to women trapped in violent relationships. In a forceful Instagram statement, she declared: “A divorced daughter is much better than a dead daughter.”
Tauqeer challenged the stereotype that women cannot control emotions, pointing to news reports dominated by male violence. “Every time I open the news, it’s about some guy who lost their temper and did something,” she observed, arguing that violence transcends gender and represents a broader societal crisis.
Her post urged women in abusive marriages to prioritize survival over social expectations. “The rising cases of rape and violence are deeply disturbing. If you’re in a violent marriage, I urge you to leave,” she wrote, directly confronting the shame and judgment that prevent many victims from seeking safety.
Both celebrities are using their platforms to address what remains a critical but often hidden crisis in Pakistani society. Domestic violence affects women across all economic and social classes, yet cultural norms frequently silence victims and protect perpetrators.
Quraishi also praised television dramas that portray fathers defending their daughters, noting that such storylines promote equality between sons and daughters while demonstrating the importance of parental backing during crises.
The timing of these statements carries particular weight as Pakistan grapples with increasing reports of violence against women. By speaking openly, Quraishi and Tauqeer are challenging deeply entrenched beliefs that prioritize family honor and social standing over women’s lives and wellbeing.
Their message is clear: no tradition, no social pressure, and no fear of judgment justifies remaining in a situation where life is at risk. For countless women across Pakistan who may be suffering in silence, these celebrity voices offer validation and a reminder that survival matters more than preserving appearances.
As these conversations gain momentum on social media and in public discourse, the hope is that more families will recognize their ongoing responsibility to protect daughters — and that more women will find the courage to choose life over endurance.
