Saheefa Jabbar Khattak faces backlash over staff hiring remarks

Some social media users demand she issue an apology

Pakistani model and actor Saheefa Jabbar Khattak has drawn criticism online after remarks about hiring preferences for staff at her restaurants sparked debate on social media.

Khattak, who has moved into the food business in recent years, operates two eateries in Lahore — Roni's Pizzeria and Picky Patty — and often shares updates about her ventures with her large social media following.

In a recent video posted on Instagram, Khattak said she preferred to hire Pashtun staff because she believed they were more trustworthy. The comments quickly triggered a wave of criticism online, with many users calling the remarks discriminatory and irresponsible given her public profile.

Several social media users said generalising about entire communities based on personal experiences promoted harmful stereotypes. Some also urged Khattak to apologise for the statement.

One Pashtun user stated that her comment is disrespectful to Urdu-speaking and Punjabi people.

Another user wrote that people should boycott her businesses if she only wanted Pashtun customers.

Another said judging entire communities in such a manner reflected a stereotypical mindset.

Users also expressed concern about discrimination against workers in the hospitality sector, noting that many employees in the industry already face low wages and limited job security. One user commented on the minimum wages that employees should be making in the sector.

Another user stated that if she paid well instead of promoting racism, she could find good employees.

Khattak has not publicly responded to the criticism so far. Khattak started her career as a fashion model and appeared in several television commercials. She is noted for her short hair looks on the ramp. After receiving an award for Best Emerging Talent, she moved on to acting and made her debut with Momina Duraid's Teri Meri Kahani.