Nauman Ijaz & Celebrity Men Accused of Reinventing Misogyny

A few days ago, veteran actor Nauman Ijaz commented on a viral video of YouTuber Maaz Safdar gifting his wife a massive bouquet. While most people found the gesture funny or sweet, Ijaz turned it into a lecture. He warned women not to expect such “nonsense” from their partners, claiming, “Now the poor innocent guys are going to suffer again.”

His tone came across as condescending and bitter, blaming women for having unrealistic expectations. In reality, women in Pakistan aren’t demanding truckloads of flowers — they’re seeking respect and basic rights. Safdar’s grand gesture was clearly meant for entertainment, as is typical for internet influencers. Yet Ijaz’s comment painted women as irrational or demanding.

Pakistani women are still fighting for their fundamental rights. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Pakistan ranks at the bottom in gender equality. Despite some critique of the data’s methodology, the widespread discrimination and violence women face is undeniable. Over 90% of Pakistani women have experienced domestic violence. But instead of acknowledging these issues, Ijaz chose to shame and blame.

On the #MeToo Movement

In a 2023 interview with Iffat Omar, Ijaz dismissed the #MeToo movement. He said, “You can’t clap with one hand,” implying mutual fault. He argued that women should walk away at the first sign of harassment and suggested they allowed the abuse to continue.

Ijaz’s remarks didn’t shock those familiar with his past statements. In the same interview, he casually admitted to cheating on his wife and boasted that neither his wife nor the husbands of the women he cheated with found out. Iffat laughed along, avoiding any accountability.

When the clip went viral and people criticized him, Ijaz brushed it off as a joke. Actor Atiqa Odho defended him, saying people misunderstood his humor. The cycle repeated: a man crossed a line, another celebrity defended him, and audiences were told they were overreacting — all while women were mocked or silenced.

Ijaz also downplayed the seriousness of harassment allegations. He imagined a scenario where he invited a young woman to discuss a role, then changed his mind, and claimed she could accuse him falsely out of disappointment. When Iffat suggested involving a third party in such meetings, he replied, “Allah is a witness,” ignoring Islamic and legal guidelines that recommend the presence of a third party in such cases.

He ended the conversation by declaring that the #MeToo movement existed only because people had strayed from religion, dismissing the global movement entirely.

Misogyny in the Industry

Nauman Ijaz isn’t alone. Writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar regularly uses religion to defend misogynistic views. Despite being caught in a scandal involving late-night meetings with a woman at her home, he continued to appear on talk shows where he rants about “honour” and “morality.” He once insulted journalist Marvi Sirmed on live TV, calling her a “ghatiya aurat,” and later hurled slurs at journalist Ailia Zehra when she challenged him on another show.

Despite these incidents, Qamar still writes popular dramas and remains a welcome guest on television. The industry continues to reward men who disrespect women, while women who speak out are attacked or dismissed.

Actor Faysal Quraishi also mocked fellow actor Saba Qamar’s age when her drama Fraud aired, sarcastically suggesting he should be 27 if she was playing a 24-year-old. Ironically, Quraishi often stars opposite actresses much younger than him. His comment reflects the double standard women face about aging in the entertainment world.

This culture encourages younger actors to echo their seniors. During a Ramazan transmission, Danish Taimoor declared, while sitting beside his wife Ayeza Khan, “God gave me permission for four marriages. The only reason I haven’t used it yet is my choice.” Ayeza looked uncomfortable, but the audience clapped. Again, no one held him accountable.

The Case of Feroze Khan

The most disturbing example of all is actor Feroze Khan. In 2022, his ex-wife Syeda Aliza Sultan publicly accused him of domestic abuse. Court records revealed severe physical and emotional abuse, and Aliza shared photos of her injuries. Despite the evidence, Khan faced no bans or consequences. He was quickly cast in new projects and began rebranding himself — not as an abuser, but as a misunderstood man. He even married his former therapist, a serious ethical breach that would revoke a license in any regulated country.

This isn’t about isolated incidents. It’s about an industry — and society — that enables misogyny, dismisses abuse, and silences women. These are not “just jokes” or “personal beliefs.” They shape culture. And while men laugh and move on, women are left to carry the pain — and the burden of being told to stay silent.

Also Read: Faryal Mehmood Opens Up About the Challenges of Working with Nauman Ijaz