Sarah Khan draws backlash after defending Falak Shabir's dress code remarks

Actor argues husband's comments were aimed at both genders as Alizeh Shah accuses couple of hypocrisy

Actor Sarah Khan, wife of singer Falak Shabir, took to social media to defend her husband’s comments on women’s dressing, sharing her views on what she believes to be the true meaning of feminism. Khan's remarks, however, received mixed reactions online.

Shabir became embroiled in an online controversy after requesting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to “make a law against those who wear short dresses in public places, bazaars, and streets.” The singer was subsequently criticised by social media users, many of whom accused him of hypocrisy given his own involvement in the entertainment industry.

In response to the backlash, Khan defended her husband through a series of Instagram stories, arguing that his comments were not directed solely at women but at both genders. She also claimed that some women in Pakistan were promoting a distorted version of feminism.

Screengrab: sarahkhanofficial/Instagram

“A healthy society is built on values, dignity, respect, and responsibility. When behaviour that undermines these principles is normalised and celebrated, it affects everyone, not just one group," Khan wrote. She added, “The concern is not whether someone is male or female, but whether the mindset being promoted contributes positively to our culture, families, and future generations."

In one of her stories, the actor shared images of posters from the Aurat March that included slogans such as “Please leave your husband”, criticising what she perceived as problematic messaging.

However, the context behind some of these slogans was not acknowledged. For instance, calls to “leave your husband” have often been linked to discussions surrounding domestic and marital abuse, rather than being promoted as a general statement.

In another story, Khan shared posters advocating for women’s equality, fair wages, and opposition to child marriage. “This is the true meaning of feminism, empowering women with dignity, respect, strength, education and purpose while staying connected to the values that define our society," the actor wrote.

Further, she clarified her stance, stating, “The feminism we support is one that strengthens society rather than weakens it, preserves dignity rather than promotes vulgarity, and inspires future generations to be proud of who they are and where they came from."

Many social media users were not convinced by Khan’s defence of her husband’s controversial remarks, with several members of the entertainment industry publicly expressing their disagreement.

Actor Alizeh Shah reposted a video discussing the controversy, accusing both Shabir and Khan of hypocrisy.

“Made me wear short clothes in his music video and the styling was done by his wife. Despite my rejection, they included romantic scenes," Shah wrote, adding, “I could say more but do not want to disrespect you in front of your wife and children. You tried to ruin my image and it is about time you face your reality."

Screengrab: alizehshahofficial/Instagram

Actors Mansha Pasha and Hadiqa Kiani also commented on the video. “Another day, another man thinking morality is all about what a woman wears and they have the right to police it. It’s not new, it's a genre," Pasha wrote while Kiani responded with clapping emojis in support of the criticism.

While Khan’s comments were intended to clarify her husband’s position, they instead reignited discussions regarding gender norms, public morality, and the differing interpretations of women’s rights in Pakistan.