I decided not to have children: Nadia Afgan

It is nothing less than a laborious task for women to plan and raise children, and our very own actors in showbiz are not different either. Appearing as a guest on a local morning show, the infamous Suno Chanda actor Nadia Afgan, delved into her personal struggles to have children.

Afgan claimed, "After trying and miscarrying two times, and then going through IVF, I eventually realised that this was not meant for me." While highlighting the extensive procedures she opted for, the actor touches upon the passive form of trauma and eventual acceptance that comes with this decision.

But, decisions as significant as these, are not made in vacuum. Afgan is seen praising her husband for his unsolicited support during this challenging time. "I will give 100% credit to Jawwad. Ever since we got married, we had decided we'll handle our own sides of the families." Along with being proven as a good strategy in their relationship, this allowed the couple to deal with familial and societal expectations with a stronger and united front.

Having children is a choice that is often snatched from women in Pakistani society, leading to many instances of unwanted pregnancies, too many children at the expense of their health and postpartum depression. However, such candid reflections coming from women in showbiz such as Afgan can help set a much-needed change in motion.

The Sammi actor further revealed, "I decided that I cannot take more mental and physical pressure on myself, and in order to protect my sanity in the longer run, I need to make a decision now." The recognition of her mental and physical condition helped the actor tremendously and she was able to make a satisfactory choice.

As the debate rekindles a lost flame for the Suno Chanda actor, it lights up many bulbs within the normal populace regarding parental responsibility, bodily autonomy, and active support system within close friends and families. With Afgan's acceptance around "I decided not to have children" as one of the toughest settlements in her life, it urges and motivates women across the country to step up for themselves and exercise their rights.

Moreso, it also tinkles the reality check bell within the male population - allowing them to reconsider their roles and responsibilities within their sphere of access. Despite Afgan's bold forefront in making the decision, her husband emerges as a pillar of support without whom the actor's choice and subsequent journey would have been hard to navigate.

In an earlier interview last year, Afgan shared her two cents on age differences in marriages. When asked if she believed age was a determinant of marital success, Afgan firmly asserted that, when respect and love existed between partners, age became an inconsequential factor. With her husband, who is twelve years her junior, Afgan experienced a sense of maturity that transcended mere numbers. She went on to explain that her strong belief in destiny played a crucial role in their union.

Living together 24/7, she spoke of the differences that could arise in daily routines, such as being a day person while her husband was a night owl. However, the foundation of friendship between them made all the difference. They had met through a project and engaged in various social welfare activities together. Her husband's honest admission of his feelings toward her sparked the journey toward marriage. She quoted her husband, "Marriage is not just about living together, and it's about growing together."