Legendary writer Anwar Maqsood has come up with a statement that has left social media bewildered. The witty writer believes that men in Pakistan are deprived of basic rights, and until that changes, society cannot move forward nor can women’s rights be genuinely addressed.

Anwar Maqsood recently appeared on Gohar Rasheed’s program, where he shared his candid views on various social issues.

“In a country where men do not have rights, how can women’s rights be discussed,” he asked

“If men get rights, Pakistani society will be fine.”

He stressed that while a father’s role is traditionally seen as the one who provides, it is the mother who truly shapes the individual.

“Although the responsibility of raising a man falls on the father, in fact, it is the mother who does it,” he said.

“In our society, the mother teaches children civility, distinction, and discipline.”

He continued by highlighting the father’s role, “The main role of the father is to bear the expenses of the family including his parents, wife, and children.”

Anwar Maqsood further said that he has been speaking up for men’s rights for decades, though the conversation often centers around women’s issues.

“Women’s rights are talked about a lot in Pakistan, but I am the only man who has been raising his voice for men’s rights for the last seventy years,” he said.

“How can women’s rights be discussed in a country where men do not have rights?”

Explaining what he meant by men’s rights, he elaborated, “Men should be allowed to do whatever they want to do. They should not be prevented from saying what they want to say, and they should also be allowed to write freely.”

He expressed hope for change, “Pakistan’s society will be fine the day men start getting their rights.”

Citing the famous case of writer Saadat Hasan Manto, he shared an example of how truth in art is often misunderstood: “A case was filed on one of Manto’s short stories, in which he had said, ‘I do not write on my own behalf, I write what happens in society. My society is dirty, that is why my writing is also dirty.’”

In response to a question about male ego, he stated, “In most men, ego appears after success although it shouldn’t. The way they used to live on a low salary, they should always live a simple life.”

He also offered a deep reflection on human desire, “Desires can destroy anyone. It is a bottomless well. If a person does not want anything, then he is the most successful person.”

On the topic of truth, Anwar Maqsood made a strong statement, “A person becomes worse than an animal when he lies because an animal never lies. Unfortunately, lying is respected in Pakistan and speaking the truth is not allowed.”

He ended the conversation with advice for men, “Men should continue to work until they die, because they are the guardians of their homes, and it is the responsibility of a guardian to fulfill his responsibilities well.”

Also Read: Anwar Maqsood: No Plans for Permanent Move to Canada

Veteran actress Atiqa Odho stirred controversy on social media after she openly criticized arranged marriages during a recent drama review show aired on a private TV channel.

Odho candidly addressed the emotional and societal pressures tied to arranged marriages. “Forced marriage hurts anyone—whether it’s a man or a woman. It’s psychological torture,” she said.

She emphasized the lack of communication between potential partners before marriage, stating, “We live in a conservative society where boys and girls neither meet nor talk—and then are suddenly expected to marry.”

Odho further explained that she regularly speaks to couples in arranged marriages. “I ask them what they think about marriage, and their responses often surprise me,” she noted.

She questioned the traditional model, saying, “It shocks me how a girl, hidden away her whole life, is suddenly forced to marry a complete stranger.”

Her remarks triggered mixed reactions online. Supporters praised her for challenging outdated norms, while critics accused her of pushing a liberal agenda.

Some referenced her personal life, with one user commenting, “If she couldn’t succeed after three love marriages, how can she judge others?”

Others accused Odho of disregarding cultural values: “She keeps making bold statements that don’t reflect our traditions.”

Many users pointed out that arranged marriage dynamics have evolved. “Today, couples often get to know each other before marrying. Calling it ‘forced’ is an exaggeration,” one noted.

Some even called for regulatory action. “PEMRA should monitor such shows and prevent them from promoting controversial views,” a user demanded.

Also Read: Atiqa Odho’s Take on Actors and Wars Gets Backlash

Feroze Khan, a young star, has earned widespread applause and massive viewership for his projects. He enjoys a dedicated fan following and has delivered hits like “Khaani”, “Aye Musht e Khaak”, “Akhara”, and more. His career faced turbulence after he divorced his first wife, Syeda Aliza Sultan. Following the split, allegations of domestic violence surfaced, leading to a bitter court battle between the former couple. In response, many industry peers chose to boycott Feroze at the time.

Iqra Aziz, Feroze Khan’s co-star for “Sanwal Yaar Piya”, pulled out of the project. Several other actresses and co-stars, including Aiman Khan, Minal Khan, Ushna Shah, and Mariyam Nafees, publicly criticized him. Later, Feroze Khan reconciled with many of them. The production team replaced Iqra Aziz with Durefishan Saleem, while Feroze Khan remained part of “Sanwal Yaar Piya”.

Feroze Khan discussed the entire controversy and its aftermath with Yasir Nawaz. He shared that the experience taught him an important lesson—that Allah alone provides sustenance, and no one can take that away if Allah is on your side. He added that going through this ordeal has only strengthened his faith.

Yasir Nawaz asked Feroze Khan whether the controversy affected him mentally, considering how strongly the industry reacted. Feroze responded that he stays positive and doesn’t dwell on what others say. He explained that he maintains his physical and mental well-being by keeping negativity out of his life. According to him, his body is his temple, and he preserves it through positive energy.

Feroze Khan also responded to the actresses who refused to work with him after the controversy. He said Allah placed a filter in his life to remove toxic people, and he feels relieved that those individuals are no longer around. He pointed out that many of them acted positively in front of him, but later made negative comments. Feroze made it clear that he no longer wants to be around such people and will not work with them again.