Pakistani actors Hiba Bukhari and Arez Ahmed, who recently welcomed their first child, a babygirl Aynur - who they have chosen to keep away from the limelight, have shared their heartfelt thoughts on the trolling they endured throughout Hiba’s pregnancy, particularly regarding the intense social media criticism that followed her appearance at the 9th HUM Awards in London last September.
The couple appeared on Nida Yasir’s Ramazan show Shan e Suhoor, where they reflected on the societal pressures placed on pregnant women, especially in Pakistan.
Hiba, who worked on multiple dramas up until her eighth month of pregnancy, found herself the subject of harsh remarks when she flaunted her baby bump in a stunning shimmery bottle-green mermaid gown.
While some online users admired her style, many others criticized her for “showing off” her pregnancy in public and said she was 'shameless.'
Maybe we didn't get the memo... but are women supposed to stay confined between four walls during the 9 months they are pregnant?
In response to this trolling, Arez Ahmed sharply questioned the unfair expectations placed on pregnant women, specifically targeting the trolls who shamed his wife.
“Should the woman leave her stomach at home? What should she do? Should she stop going out? Should she stop getting pictures taken? Should she stop working? If a woman is working eight months pregnant, then that’s a big deal. She should be appreciated,” Arez stated passionately during the interview.
He continued to stress the point that women should not be bound by society’s narrow definitions of what’s acceptable during pregnancy.
“Why should a woman live her life on your terms?” he asked, firmly asserting that pregnant women should be free to live their lives without being judged for doing so.
Hiba, who clearly found strength in her choices, added, “It’s my job, and I wanted to work. I don’t regret a single minute of the time I spent outside, at work, or with my husband on vacation. That was our last vacation together, just the two of us.”
She also shared that she consulted her doctor before making the decision to attend the event and travel, receiving approval to continue her routine and enjoy her time at the awards show.
And more power to her for that!
Arez’s words highlight the deeply ingrained societal expectations surrounding pregnancy, particularly within Pakistan, where women are often judged for simply existing while pregnant. Pregnancy should be a time to celebrate the miracle of life, but all too often, it becomes a period of unwarranted scrutiny and judgment.
It’s high time that society stops shaming women for living their lives during pregnancy.
In a country with one of the largest populations in the world, why is there still such a negative reaction to a woman’s baby bump?
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