Pakistani actress Sarah Khan has stepped into the ongoing debate surrounding her husband Falak Shabir’s controversial comments on public dress codes, offering a detailed response while also sharing her personal views on feminism and social values.

The discussion began after singer Falak Shabir sparked strong reactions online by urging Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to introduce legislation discouraging people from wearing revealing outfits in public spaces, including streets, markets, and other crowded areas. His remarks quickly divided social media users, with many criticizing the suggestion as unnecessary and restrictive, while others supported his stance.

As the backlash intensified, Sarah Khan chose to address the controversy through a series of Instagram stories. The actress argued that her husband’s statement had been misunderstood by many critics and insisted that his concerns were not exclusively directed toward women.

According to Sarah, the conversation should not be reduced to a gender-specific issue. She maintained that public behavior and appearance standards apply to everyone in society, regardless of gender, and should be discussed within a broader social context rather than through a narrow lens.

The actress also used the opportunity to speak about what feminism means to her. Without naming individuals, Sarah suggested that some people have promoted what she described as a distorted interpretation of the movement. She emphasized that empowerment should not come at the expense of values that contribute to a respectful and balanced society.

“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,” she wrote while explaining her perspective.

Supporters praised her for standing by her husband and expressing her beliefs openly, while critics argued that conversations about personal freedom and clothing choices should remain a matter of individual rights.

Read more: Sara Khan’s Feminism Remarks Ignite Online Debate

Celebrities and activists voiced strong condemnation following the horrific acid attack on a female postgraduate doctor in Quetta, denouncing violence against women and highlighting growing fears for the safety of medical staff in life-saving facilities.

On Saturday, Dr. Mahnoor was critically injured when an assailant allegedly threw acid on her while she was on duty in the surgical ward of Quetta’s Civil Sandeman Hospital. Authorities reported that the suspect fled the scene but was later killed in a confrontation with police.

Prominent figures including Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain, and Saheefa Jabbar publicly denounced the brutal attack, drawing attention to the persistent violence women endure.

The outpouring of support came after the victim’s colleague Dr Usama Khan shared an emotional Instagram post demanding justice.

Captioning the post, “The bubbly Mahnoor. The lively Mahnoor. The Mahnoor whose smile could light up a room and whose energy was contagious,” Dr Usama followed with a lengthy note addressed to his colleague, describing the horror of treating a friend who had fallen victim to such a violent act.

“We had spent years learning how to save lives, but never did I imagine that one day, I would be standing beside you in a resuscitation room, fighting to minimise the damage caused by such senseless violence,” the doctor wrote.

He added, “The image of you sitting and studying, working towards your future, and then suddenly becoming the victim of such brutality is something I cannot comprehend. You dedicated your life to caring for others, and yet humanity failed to show the same kindness and protection that you have always offered to your patients.”

Dr Usama also highlighted the lack of security provided to doctors and healthcare workers whose primary mission is to help others. Reflecting on the incident, he wrote that although Mahnoor was targeted while pursuing her future, her courage and resilience would forever the public of “the wound left on our faith in humanity.”

“I am sorry, Mahnoor. Sorry that this happened to you. Sorry that we live in a world where a young doctor studying for her future can become the target of such cruelty. Sorry that, as human beings, we failed to protect one of our own,” he wrote.

Many actors shared Dr Usama’s post on their social media, including actor Mahira Khan who also issued a statement of her own.

“A woman went to WORK today. To SAVE LIVES. And someone threw acid on her face. I can’t. I genuinely cannot. Dr Mahnoor Nasir attacked inside a hospital. INSIDE A HOSPITAL,” Khan wrote.

The actor added, “This is barbaric. This is evil. I am shaking with rage. This woman deserved safety. Instead she was nearly burned alive by a man who thought he had the right to destroy her. It’s time for not just the women but the MEN to speak up. To be LOUDER. To be angrier!!!”.

Actor Yasir Hussain also addressed the incident, highlighting how society often responds to such cases by questioning the victim’s actions rather than the perpetrator’s mindset.

“This woman is not even wearing revealing clothing. Even then someone threw acid on her. So that means the issue is not in clothing. It is in the mind,” Hussain wrote.

Model and Entrepreneur Saheefa Jabbar also issued a statement condemning misogyny and abuse.

“This is exactly why I despise it when men or women choose to mock, degrade, or morally police other women. These actions may seem small, but they contribute to much bigger societal problems because they normalise hatred and contempt,” she wrote.

Jabbar added, “The same mindset that shames women for what they wear is part of the culture that enables violence against them, whether it’s acid attacks, murdering a wife for refusing marital relations, or brutalising a woman because she gave birth to a daughter. These horrific acts do not emerge in a vacuum.”

Actor Mishi Khan also posted on Instagram criticising police for killing the alleged attacker before a thorough investigation could take place. “Rather than the police arresting him for investigation, they shot him. This is the state of affaris. Sad and distressing. I wish such criminals are put to task,” she said.

The actor also raised concerns on safety for doctors: “This is the horrible situation in our country and public hospitals. Where was security when this men entered the doctor’s room”, she stated.

Actor Sajal Aly also reshared a post regarding the attack to her story, condemning the incident as “a cowardly act driven by misogyny and a fragile male ego” arguing that some men cannot handle a woman’s independence or rejection.

The attack on Dr Mahnoor sparked widespread outrage across the country, with many calling for greater protection for women and healthcare workers. As demands for justice continue to grow, the incident once again highlights the urgent need to address gender-based violence, strengthen workplace security, and challenge the attitudes that enable such acts to occur.

Read more: Mahira Khan: “Our men, women couldn’t digest it” – explains why ‘Verna’ failed

Pakistani singer and actor Falak Shabir has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to implement legislation concerning dress codes in public areas.

Using Instagram, Falak Shabir posted a story commending the Punjab government’s decision to prohibit vaping in the province, describing it as a positive development.

Nonetheless, the singer stated that as a parent of two daughters, he wished to make a respectful appeal to Maryam Nawaz to contemplate enacting regulations pertaining to individuals wearing revealing attire in public places, markets, and on streets.

“It is a very good initiative, but as a father of two daughters, I humbly request Maryam Nawaz to make some law for those wearing short clothes in public places, markets and on roads. Otherwise, culturally we will be destroyed,” he wrote.

The singer’s comments have ignited conversation on social media platforms, with users voicing a range of opinions on the topics of personal liberty, cultural norms, and public dress standards.

Read more: Falak Shabir Grants Pakistan Idol the Rights to Use his Songs