Actress Asma Abbas urges parents to teach boys self-reliance

Pakistani actress Asma Abbas has urged parents to instill independence and self-reliance in their sons, criticising a culture of overindulgence that she believes limits young men’s ability to take responsibility.

In a video shared on her social media, Asma discussed the difference between Pakistan and other countries, where, she said, young people are trained to manage on their own by the age of 18.

In her remarks, Asma observed, “Our men won’t even lift a glass of water for themselves. Even if water is nearby, they won’t drink it.” She contrasted this with other countries, where she says children are trained early to “handle their own affairs and start earning.”

Asma continued by addressing Pakistani cultural practices, noting that parents tend to make excuses for their sons, viewing them as too young or still focused on studies.

She urged parents to stop overly pampering their boys and encourage them to engage in both work and study, noting, “If I had my way, I’d send my sons to work along with their studies at 18.”

The actress added that mothers often shoulder the burden of all household tasks for their children, a practice she feels delays the development of essential life skills. Asma stressed that it is never too late to teach young men independence and advocated for a shift in parenting practices.