"Animal Rights Matter Too!" – Zhalay Sarhadi Hits Back At Critics

Emphasizing that all injustices merit attention, Sarhadi stated: “Let me focus on one issue, and let others focus on theirs. Because we all need to… bring these problems to light so we can work toward solving them.” She urged people to let her speak about what she deems important, rather than “interfering and trying to paint me in a negative light.”

Sarhadi has a long history of advocating for causes she believes in. Earlier this year, in May, when India and Pakistan were in conflict, she was a vocal opponent of war. She criticized India’s strikes on Pakistan but stressed that war “is never the solution” and that it “leaves no one victorious.” Later, she celebrated the announcement of a ceasefire between the two countries, praying for a “more peaceful and progressive future.”

This year, amid devastating monsoon floods, Sarhadi collaborated with the Al-Khidmat Foundation to raise funds for flood-affected communities. In June, following the brutal murder of teenage content creator Sana Yousaf, she joined calls for justice. Additionally, she has openly condemned misogynistic practices and attitudes within the entertainment industry and across Pakistani society at large.

Given her track record of advocating for human causes, it is surprising that anyone would accuse the actor of being indifferent to human struggles. And if she also holds a soft spot for animals, she is fully within her right to voice her support for them and draw attention to their hardships, too.